Groin Hernia

(Inguinal Hernia)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)

Definition
A groin hernia is an external bulge in the groin area that contains fat, connective tissue, and/or a portion of
intestine. There are two main types of groin hernias:

Inguinal Hernia–occurs when there is a weak spot in the area where the abdomen meets the thigh on both sides
(most common type)

Femoral Hernia– occurs much less frequently and is located in the upper thigh

A groin hernia that pushes through the abdominal wall can become trapped. This may lead to dangerous
complications such as intestinal obstruction or strangulation. Both require immediate surgery.

Inguinal Hernias

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Causes
Anything that causes weakness or tears in the abdominal wall can cause a groin hernia, including:

Defects at birth
Prolonged wear and tear such as lifting, straining or coughing
Age-related weakness of the abdominal wall
History of previous surgery in the area

Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

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 Advancing age
Sex: Male (Groin hernias are about 10 times more common in men, but the less common type, femoral
hernias, are more common in women.)
Lack of exercise
Increased pressure within the abdominal cavity due to:
Lifting heavy objects
Straining to urinate or pass stools
Severe or prolonged coughing
Obesity
Pregnancy

Symptoms
Symptoms include:

A bulge in the groin area when standing or straining

Pain in the groin area when straining
A bulge that may extend into the scrotum in men
Pain, a heavy feeling or discomfort, or sometimes no pain, in the groin

More serious symptoms associated with a groin hernia that may require immediate medical care include:

Severe pain in the groin or abdomen

Fever
Rapid heart beat
Abdominal swelling
Nausea
Vomiting

Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Treatment
Most inguinal hernias eventually require surgery. For small hernias that can be pushed back into place, a truss or
external pad against the weak spot may temporarily provide support. If the hernia bulge can be pushed back in
place, surgery may not be needed right away. However, even small hernias eventually need to be repaired. After
surgery, hernias sometimes recur in the same place or on the opposite side.

Surgeries include:

Herniorrhaphy–surgery to repair the defect in the abdominal wall

Hernioplasty–reinforcing the weak area with steel mesh or wire

Bowel Resection –removal of a section of the intestine. This procedure may be used when part of the intestine
becomes twisted or blocked or turns gangrenous and dies.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair–surgery done through several tiny incisions in the groin or abdomen. Recovery may
be faster and patients can often resume physical activity earlier.

Prevention
The following strategies may help to prevent a groin hernia:

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 Lose weight, if you are overweight.
Exercise regularly.
Warm up before exercising to avoid straining your muscles.
Learn to lift properly and ask for assistance with heavy weights.
Always wear a protective belt when lifting heavy weights or moving heavy objects
Eat more fiber to prevent constipation.
Stop smoking, especially if you have a chronic cough.
Seek medical care if you:
Strain when passing stools or urine
Cough or sneeze a lot

RESOURCES:

American College of Physicians

http://www.acponline.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

http://www.niddk.nih.gov

REFERENCES:

American College of Physicians Complete Home Medical Guide . DK Publishing; 1999.

Last reviewed September 2005 by Lawrence Frisch, MD, MPH

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