Inguinal Hernia

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia happens when tissue, often part of the intestine or surrounding fat, pushes through a weak spot in your lower abdominal wall, in the groin area. This creates a bulge, and often discomfort or pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining. Not every ache in that area means you have a hernia, which is why an exam matters.

Why does this happen?

The groin area naturally has a passage called the inguinal canal. While a baby is developing, this canal is where the testicles travel down into the scrotum (in males). That process leaves a natural weak spot in the abdominal wall for everyone, which can widen over time or under strain.

Three types of hernia in this area

• Indirect inguinal hernia: the most common type. Often present from birth, it follows the same path the testicles took during development.
• Direct inguinal hernia: develops later in life from general wear and weakening of the abdominal wall muscles.
• Femoral hernia: less common, and located just below the main inguinal area, near the blood vessels that travel into the thigh. This type is more common in women.

Two ways this is repaired

Dr. Rodriguez repairs inguinal hernias either robotically or through a traditional open incision, depending on your anatomy, hernia size, prior surgical history, and your own preference. Both approaches use mesh to reinforce the repair. Choose a guide below for the full details on each.