One of the most common types of hernias is an inguinal hernia. A hernia is a weakening of tissue that allows organs to protrude through tissue that should otherwise contain or protect the organ. Hernias can develop due to a defect in a surgical wound, a congenital issue, or a traumatic issue. It is not unusual for inguinal hernias to develop from a congenital defect in the closure of the processus vaginalis. Other times, inguinal hernias can develop from continued strain of the abdominal wall due to routine heavy lifting. Whatever the cause of the inguinal hernia, definitive treatment is with surgery.

Initial symptoms include pain and scrotal swelling. Patients may notice peristalsis within the hernia. If the pain worsens or becomes constant it requires urgent surgical evaluation. The same is true for hernias causing a change in bowel movements. Although refraining from straining and lifting heavy objects can help prevent the hernia from worsening as well as prevent pain, definitive management involves surgical treatment.

When it is time to perform the surgical procedure, there are two treatment options for inguinal hernia repair- laparoscopic and open. Laparoscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where the surgeon will enter the abdomen to repair the hernia. The surgeon uses small incisions and long, thin laparoscopic equipment to repair the hernia defect. Usually, a mesh is used. This repair technique is most often utilized for bilateral or recurrent hernias.

An open hernia repair is the gold standard. It is usually used to repair initial inguinal hernias that are extremely large. There are multiple techniques used. Regardless of the technique chosen, the hernia sac needs to be identified and resected or simply reduced back into the abdomen. Once this is performed the inguinal floor is usually reinforced with mesh and suture into place. Alternatively, there are several types of tissue repair to close the defect. However, a primary tissue repair traditionally has a higher recurrence rate than those repairs using mesh. The recover period for open inguinal hernia repairs is usually longer than a laparoscopic repair. Accordingly, the recovery period varies based on the size of the hernia and the overall health of the patient.

For patients living on Florida’s West coast from Clearwater to Venice looking for a board-certified general surgeon who is affiliated with hospitals in Hillsborough, Manatee, Osceola, and Sarasota counties, contact Dr. Jenna Kazil. Florida Surgical Clinic’s Dr. Kazil is a five-star surgical specialist who is double board-certified practices as a general and vascular surgeon. She has experience with inguinal hernia repairs and would be happy to assist any patient with their vascular or general surgical needs. Call today for an appointment.