About this disease
What it concerns
The inguinal region is a weak point of the abdominal wall and an inguinal hernia affects 80% of men. The cause is an exhaustion of the connective tissue at certain points of the so-called inguinal canal, so that fatty tissue and other parts of the abdominal cavity (e.g. intestines) can bulge into the inguinal canal. Risk factors for the development of an inguinal hernia are obesity, increasing age, family predisposition and a high level of physical stress.
Symptoms and consequences
The main symptom is a visible swelling in the left or right groin. This swelling can usually be easily pressed away or disappears spontaneously in a lying position. Pain may also occur due to irritation of nerves in this region. Rarely, intestines may become trapped in the inguinal hernia, a so-called incarceration. In this case, the swelling can no longer be pressed away and the affected person experiences severe pain. This is an emergency that must be treated immediately.
How we can help you
Examination and diagnosis
The diagnosis of a hernia is made by physical examination of the groin region. In unclear cases we will use an ultrasound examination, or occasionally computer tomography. Frequently, an inguinal hernia is detected on both sides.
Treatment
An inguinal hernia will not disappear on its own. Therefore, the only treatment option for troublesome inguinal hernias is surgery. The so-called minimally invasive surgical technique is standard today. Here at the hospital, we use laparoscopic TAPP, in which we correct inguinal hernias via the abdominal cavity. A plastic mesh is inserted to stabilize the inguinal region. The operation is performed under inpatient conditions, in the case of small unproblematic inguinal hernias also on an outpatient basis.