Are Your Hernia Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our accredited hernia specialist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan today.
Inguinal hernias are a common condition in which a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, specifically in the inguinal canal of the groin area.
This condition is more prevalent in men than in women and can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
Inguinal hernias are classified into two main types based on their cause and anatomical location.
This is the most common type, often occurring in infants and children due to a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall. The hernia follows the pathway of the testicles during foetal development, and in males, it can extend into the scrotum.
This type of hernia typically occurs in adults due to the weakening of the abdominal muscles over time. It is caused by a defect or weakness in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, which allows the intestine or fatty tissue to protrude directly through the abdominal wall.
Visible Bulge: A visible bulge in the groin is a clear sign of an inguinal hernia. This bulge becomes more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining due to increased abdominal pressure, pushing the herniated tissue further out.
Pain or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the groin area is common, especially when bending over, lifting heavy objects, or coughing.
Weakness or Pressure: Many individuals with an inguinal hernia experience weakness, pressure, or heaviness in the groin due to the strain of the herniated tissue on the abdominal wall.
Burning or Aching Sensation: A burning or aching sensation at the site of the bulge is common and can be constant or intermittent and may be exacerbated by physical exertion. This is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the hernia.
Swelling Around the Testicles: In men, an inguinal hernia can cause swelling around the testicles if the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum.
Several underlying causes can lead to inguinal hernias, including:
Some people are born with an innate weakness in the abdominal wall, particularly in the inguinal canal, predisposing them to hernias. This congenital weakness means the abdominal muscles are not as strong, allowing tissue to push through and form a hernia.
Activities and conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure can weaken the abdominal muscles over time.
Increased weight and pressure, especially with multiple pregnancies, can weaken the abdominal muscles, which can lead to the development of a hernia as the muscles stretch and weaken.
As people age, their muscles naturally lose strength and elasticity, making the abdominal wall more susceptible to hernias. Men are more likely to develop inguinal hernias than women due to the larger inguinal canal in men, through which the testes descend before birth.
A family history of inguinal hernias can increase the risk due to genetic factors that may contribute to the development of weak spots in the abdominal muscles.
Infants born with a low birth weight or prematurely are at higher risk for inguinal hernias because their abdominal muscles may not be fully developed.
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination, where a doctor inspects the groin area for a visible bulge. The doctor will palpate the hernia, feeling for any protrusions in the groin, and may ask the patient to strain to make the hernia more noticeable. The doctor will also assess pain or discomfort in the groin during physical activities to evaluate the severity and location of symptoms.
If the hernia isn’t easy to see or feel, your doctor may use imaging tests to get a clearer picture:
Non-surgical treatments can help manage hernia symptoms & reduce discomfort.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage the pain associated with an inguinal hernia. These medications can reduce discomfort and improve daily functioning.
A truss or supportive garment provides external support, helping to keep the hernia in place and reduce discomfort, particularly during physical activities. A properly fitted truss should be used under a doctor’s guidance to ensure effectiveness and prevent further complications.
Surgical intervention is required for inguinal hernias when non-surgical treatments fail to manage symptoms or complications develop.
Also known as herniorrhaphy, open hernia repair involves making an incision in the groin area to access the hernia. The protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdomen, and the weakened area is repaired with sutures, often reinforced with synthetic mesh (hernioplasty). This procedure is suitable for treating both small and large hernias and can be performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making several small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera, and other surgical tools are used to repair the hernia from within using synthetic mesh. This method is preferred for hernias that recur or occur on both sides, as it typically results in less pain and a faster recovery.
Consult our accredited hernia specialist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan today.
Certain measures can reduce your risk of developing an inguinal hernia. Keeping your abdominal muscles strong and avoiding activities that put too much pressure on your abdomen are key.
Simple exercises like planks and leg raises can help support your muscles, and lifting objects correctly can reduce strain on your abdomen. Eating a diet high in fibre can prevent constipation, which helps avoid straining during bowel movements—a common cause of increased abdominal pressure.
Maintaining a healthy weight is another factor, as extra weight adds pressure to your abdominal area.
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*Extended Panel
MbChB (Sheffield)
M.Med (Surgery)
FRCSEd (General Surgery)
蘇萊曼·尤索夫博士
Dr. Sulaiman Yusof is a distinguished Senior Consultant in colorectal and general surgery, boasting over 15 years of expertise. His passion lies in minimally invasive techniques, particularly robotic surgery, where he has achieved remarkable success using the Da Vinci Xi system. Dr. Sulaiman is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized, and empathetic care, always striving for the best outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Sulaiman’s journey began at the University of Sheffield, where he graduated in 2002. He honed his skills during his house officer and basic surgical training in the UK before returning to Singapore. There, he completed his Advanced Surgical Training at Changi General Hospital and earned the Joint Speciality Fellowship in General Surgery in 2013.
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An inguinal hernia does not heal on its own and typically requires surgery to repair the weakened area of the abdominal wall. However, in some cases where the hernia is small and not causing significant symptoms, a doctor may recommend regular monitoring to detect changes.
Recovery after hernia surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Generally, patients can expect some pain and swelling for a few days post-surgery. Most people can resume light activities within a week and normal activities within a few weeks, but heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to allow proper healing.
If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause complications such as incarceration (the hernia becomes trapped) or strangulation (the blood supply to the herniated tissue is severed). These complications require emergency medical attention.