Inguinal hernia

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications

Preparing for your appointment Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Prevention

Definition

Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue — usually part of the intestine — protrudes through a weak point or tear in your lower abdominal wall. The resulting bulge can be painful — especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object.

Not necessarily dangerous in themselves, inguinal hernias can lead to life-threatening complications. For this reason, your doctor is likely to recommend surgical repair of an inguinal hernia that's painful or becoming larger.

Today's hernia surgery isn't the same that your father may have had — with a large abdominal incision, a long hospital stay and weeks of immobility. Instead, many inguinal hernias now can be successfully repaired with a technique that uses several small incisions, leading to a faster, less painful recovery.

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Symptoms