A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a
weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the
groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal"
because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal,
which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near
the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool
can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.
Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin near the
thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases, partial or complete
blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical
exam and by taking x rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the
intestine.
The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening
in the muscle wall. This surgery is called herniorrhaphy. Sometimes
the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. This operation is
called hernioplasty. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or
traps stool, part of the intestine might need to be removed. This surgery
is called bowel resection. (Bowel is another word for
intestine.)
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