What is an indirect inguinal hernia?
An indirect inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the small intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, typically near the inguinal canal.
Unlike direct inguinal hernias, which occur in the inguinal canal itself, indirect inguinal hernias occur when the protruding tissue passes through the inguinal canal and into the groin area.
What are the symptoms on an indirect inguinal hernia?
- A noticeable bulge in the groin area is a common symptom of an indirect inguinal hernia. This bulge may become more prominent when coughing, standing, or straining.
- You may experience discomfort or a dull ache in the groin area, especially when engaging in activities such as bending over, lifting heavy objects, or coughing.
- Some individuals report feeling pressure or weakness in the groin, particularly when standing or straining.
- In some cases, an indirect inguinal hernia can cause symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, especially if the protruding tissue becomes trapped or twisted (incarcerated or strangulated hernia).
How do you treat indirect inguinal hernias?
If the hernia is small and not causing significant symptoms, your doctor may recommend a watchful waiting approach, monitoring the hernia regularly for any changes.
Like other types of hernias, a hernia truss may be used temporarily to provide support and help keep the hernia in place. However, this is typically not a long-term solution.
Surgical repair is often recommended for indirect inguinal hernias, especially if the hernia is causing symptoms or complications. During surgery, the protruding tissue is repositioned, and the weakened abdominal wall is reinforced with stitches or a synthetic mesh.
What causes an inguinal hernia?
Several factors can contribute to the development of indirect inguinal hernias, including:
- Congenital weakness in the abdominal wall, present from birth.
- Activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements, or chronic coughing
- While indirect inguinal hernias can occur at any age, they are more common in males, especially infants and older adults.