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WHAT IS AN INGUINAL HERNIA?
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin where fat or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. It is the most common type of hernia and is much more common in men. The bulge usually grows when you stand, cough or lift and shrinks when you lie down, and it can cause aching, burning or a heavy feeling in the groin. Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own. At North Florida Surgeons in Jacksonville, FL, our surgeons repair inguinal hernias with laparoscopic, robotic and open techniques, usually as an outpatient procedure.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Hernia repair is one of the most common operations our board-certified surgeons perform. Dr. Steven Hodgett has advanced training in robotic, laparoscopic and complex hernia surgery, and Dr. Alexander Rose specializes in complex hernia repair.
Most patients go home the same day and are back to light activity within a few days.
We repair hernias on one side or both sides (bilateral), hernias that come back after an earlier repair, and related femoral hernias.
TYPES OF GROIN HERNIAS
INDIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA
The most common kind. The hernia follows the natural canal that runs through the groin, often present since birth, and in men it can extend into the scrotum.
DIRECT INGUINAL HERNIA
The hernia pushes straight through a weakened area of the abdominal wall muscles. It is more common in older men and in people who strain or lift heavy loads.
BILATERAL AND RECURRENT HERNIAS
Some people have a hernia on both sides, and some hernias come back after an earlier repair. A laparoscopic or robotic approach lets the surgeon repair both sides, or work through fresh tissue, through the same small incisions.
FEMORAL HERNIA
A related groin hernia just below the inguinal ligament, more common in women. Femoral hernias have a higher risk of becoming trapped, so they are usually repaired soon after diagnosis. Learn about all types of hernia repair.
WHEN IT IS AN EMERGENCY
Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes hard, very painful or red, cannot be pushed back in, or comes with nausea, vomiting or not passing gas. These are signs of a trapped (strangulated) hernia.
HOW WE REPAIR INGUINAL HERNIAS
LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR
Through three small incisions, the surgeon places a mesh behind the abdominal wall to cover the weak area from the inside. Laparoscopic repair usually means less pain and a faster return to work, and both sides can be fixed at once.
ROBOTIC-ASSISTED REPAIR
Uses the same small incisions with a robotic platform that gives the surgeon a magnified 3D view and precise movement. It is often used for bilateral, recurrent and complex hernias.
OPEN REPAIR
A single incision in the groin over the hernia, with mesh placed to reinforce the area. Open repair can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation and is a good option for some patients.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSIS
Most inguinal hernias are diagnosed with a simple exam while you stand and cough. If the exam is unclear, an ultrasound, CT or MRI can confirm it. Small hernias with no symptoms can sometimes be watched, but most grow and cause symptoms over time. Read the early signs you may need hernia surgery.
THE DAY OF SURGERY
Surgery usually takes one to two hours. Most patients go home the same day. Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night.
PAIN AND CARE AT HOME
Expect soreness and some swelling or bruising in the groin for a few days. Walk several times a day, use ice packs, and prevent constipation with fluids, fiber and a stool softener if needed. See Miralax vs. Colace after surgery.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
Most people return to desk work within about a week and to normal daily activity within two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually wait about four to six weeks. Read our guide to hernia surgery recovery time.
OUR HERNIA SURGEONS
Inguinal hernia repairs at North Florida Surgeons are performed by board-certified general surgeons, including Dr. Steven Hodgett, Dr. Alexander Rose and Dr. Craig Morgenthal.
INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR FAQS
Do all inguinal hernias need surgery?
Not always. A small hernia that causes no symptoms can sometimes be watched. Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own, and most grow or start causing pain over time, so many patients choose repair.
Will my inguinal hernia repair use mesh?
Most adult inguinal hernia repairs use a surgical mesh, which lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for you.
Is laparoscopic or open repair better?
Both work well. Laparoscopic and robotic repair often mean less pain and a quicker return to work, and they make it easy to fix both sides at once. Open repair can be a better choice for some patients. Your surgeon will recommend the safest approach for you.
When can I lift or exercise after inguinal hernia surgery?
Walking starts the same day. Light exercise is usually fine after about two weeks, and heavy lifting usually waits four to six weeks. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Can an inguinal hernia come back?
It can, but it is uncommon after a mesh repair. Keeping a healthy weight, treating a chronic cough or constipation, and lifting carefully lower the risk.
Does insurance cover inguinal hernia repair?
Many insurance plans cover hernia repair when it is medically necessary, but coverage varies by plan. See the insurance plans we accept or call our office.
How do I schedule an inguinal hernia consultation in Jacksonville?
Call (904) 398-0033 or use the contact form. Our office is at 836 Prudential Dr., Suite 1001, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Related: hernia repair, hiatal hernia repair.
