A Comprehensive Guide to Inguinal Hernia Surgery at Felix Hospitals

An inguinal hernia is a condition where a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue bulges through a weakness or tear in the lower abdominal wall, usually near the groin. It is a common condition that can interfere with daily activities, causing pain and leading to complications if left untreated. It is important to treat an inguinal hernia in time to prevent serious health complications. Felix Hospitals is the leading hospital for hernia surgery in Noida and Delhi NCR. Our expert care and advanced treatment options ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

If you have a painful or noticeable bulge in your groin on either side of your pubic bone just see your doctor immediately.  Call us now at +91 9667064100.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine bulges through a weakness in the lower abdomen, typically in the inguinal canal in the groin. Inguinal hernias can develop gradually over time or suddenly after physical strain, such as when lifting heavy objects.

Types of Inguinal Hernias
 

• Inguinal hernias are categorized into two types: direct and indirect. Each type differs based on how and where the hernia develops.

• Direct inguinal hernia: A direct inguinal hernia bulges its way straight through the wall of your inguinal canal. This type of hernia occurs in adults over time, due to a combination of the weakening of abdominal muscles and prolonged pressure on the muscle wall.

• Indirect inguinal hernia: An indirect inguinal hernia comes into your inguinal canal at the top. This is generally due to a birth defect. In some fetuses, the entryway to their canal does not completely close up while they are still developing in the uterus.

Common Symptoms

Inguinal hernias are not always symptomatic, and when they are, they may be intermittent. The hernia can migrate in and out of the defect, only presenting with activity. In children, a groin mass may become more apparent on crying and resolve with sleep. An indirect inguinal hernia may at times be hidden behind muscle fibers and thus not palpable.

You might notice:
 

•  A palpable mass on either side of the pubic bone which is more evident on standing, coughing, or straining.

• A sharp, burning pain or aching at the location of the bulge.

• Pain or tenderness in the groin, especially with lifting, coughing, or bending.

• A sensation of dragging or weight in the groin.

• Weakness or pressure in the groin area.

• Pain and swelling in the region around the testicles if the herniated bowel descends into the scrotum.

Causes 

The cause of the development of some inguinal hernias is unknown, whereas the others happen due to multiple reasons, some of which are:
 

• Rising pressure in the abdomen

• Previous weak spot in the wall of the abdomen

• Straining of bowel or urine

• Lifting a heavy load or heavy work

• Pregnancy

• Continued cough or sneezing

Weakening of the abdominal wall to cause an inguinal hernia is usually congenital when the abdominal muscles do not close during normal development. Some will develop it later in life as a result of aging, straining, or as a result of chronic coughing, usually as a result of smoking.

Abdominal wall weakening can also be developed later in life as a result of trauma or previous surgery on the abdomen.

In males, the point of weakness is usually in the inguinal canal through which the spermatic cord enters the scrotum. In females, hernias may be found in the inguinal canal where there is a ligament that supports the uterus, usually close to the pubic bone.

Risk Factors

Those which are to blame for the occurrence of an inguinal hernia are:
 

• Being male: Men are eight times more likely than women to get an inguinal hernia.

• Being older: Your muscles get weaker as you get older.

• Family history: You have a close relative, for example, a parent or a brother or sister, who has the condition.

• Chronic cough: for example, caused by smoking.

• Chronic constipation: Constipation makes you strain on the toilet when having stools.

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can weaken the muscles of your abdominal wall and lead to increased pressure in your abdomen.

• Premature birth and low birth weight: Premature and low-birth-weight babies are at greater risk of inguinal hernias.

• Previous inguinal hernia or repair of a hernia: Even if your past hernia happened during childhood, you're at greater risk of another inguinal hernia.

Complications

Complications of an inguinal hernia include:
 

• Pressure against the adjacent tissue: Most inguinal hernias increase over time if left untreated. Men with large hernias bulge into the scrotum and experience pain, discomfort, and swelling.

• Incarcerated Hernia: If a hernia becomes entrapped within the weakness in the abdominal wall, it will lock up the bowel. This is associated with cramping pain, vomiting, nausea, and being unable to move the bowels or pass gas.

• Strangulation: An incarcerated hernia may cut off blood supply to a portion of the intestine and lead to tissue necrosis. Strangulated hernia is an emergency that needs immediate operation.

Without treatment, inguinal hernias can result in strangulation (when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is cut off) or incarceration (when the herniated tissue becomes trapped).

preventions of Inguinal Hernia Surgery

While you can't prevent the congenital defect that makes you prone to an inguinal hernia, you can minimize strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues. Here are some ways to do so:
 

• Healthy weight: Excess weight puts a strain on your abdominal muscles.

• Proper lifting: Lift with the knees and never at the waist when handling heavy weight.

• Avoid smoking: Cigarette has the effect of causing chronic coughing and thus contribute to hernia.

• Constipation improvement: Constipation can put a strain on your muscles while performing bowel movements.

• Exercise: Daily exercises are Important like sit-ups, planks, and pelvic tilts can offer strength and stabilize your abdominal muscles.

• Treating chronic sneezing or coughing: Chronic coughing or sneezing can exhaust your muscles.

Diagnosis of Inguinal Hernia

For the diagnosis of inguinal hernia, healthcare professionals make use of a mixture of imaging tests and laboratory tests.

Imaging Tests:
 

• Ultrasound: Assists in confirming the presence and size of the hernia.

• CT Scan: Gives clear images of the location of the hernia and complications.

• MRI: Provides clear images of the hernia and surrounding tissues in case of complicated cases.

Lab Tests

• Blood Tests: For evaluating overall health, infection checks, and deciding on a person's fitness for surgery.

• The examinations assist physicians in diagnosing the hernia and determining the best course of treatment.
  
   

Why is Surgery Necessary for Inguinal Hernia?

Some small hernias do not produce symptoms, but the best way to prevent complications in the future is to have surgery. Ignoring an inguinal hernia increases the risk that it will get worse and cause severe pain or strangulation, requiring emergency treatment.

Surgical repair of the hernia is the best way to restore the abdominal wall and ease the pain. Hernia surgery relieves the pain and reduces the risk of serious complications, so it is a necessary and beneficial procedure.

Types of Inguinal Hernia Surgery

There are two types of surgery for an inguinal hernia: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.

1-Open Surgery:
 

• Involves a single large incision in the groin area.

• The herniated tissue is put back in place, and the abdominal wall is strengthened with mesh.

• They are also usually less expensive and sometimes required for larger hernias.

• Cons: The incision is much larger, so recovery time is longer and there is a higher chance of infection.

2-Laparoscopic Surgery:

• A minimally invasive procedure that uses several small cuts and a camera.

• Advantages: Faster recovery with smaller incisions and Less pain including Lower risk of infection

• Disadvantages: Higher cost and may require general anesthesia.

The type of surgery for a hernia depends on the size of the hernia, the patient’s age, general health, and any underlying conditions. A surgeon will help each patient choose the most appropriate option.

The Inguinal Hernia Surgery Procedure

The inguinal hernia surgery process involves the following steps:
 

• Preparation involves putting the patient under general anesthesia so that they are comfortable throughout the procedure.

• Incision: A small or large incision is made depending on the type of surgery

• Repair of the hernia: The herniated tissue is pushed back into place and the abdominal wall is strengthened with mesh or stitches.

• Closure: The incision is closed and the patient is monitored in the recovery room

Pain management - Wound care - Infection prevention Recovery time depends upon the type of surgery and health of the patient.

What is the prognosis after hernia repair?

After surgery, you may need pain medication for a few weeks to manage discomfort. It's important to avoid straining or lifting heavy objects during your recovery. Your healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent the hernia from returning. While hernias typically do not recur in children, up to 10% of adults may experience a recurrence over time, potentially requiring another surgery.

What to Expect After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Most patients are observed for a short time before being discharged. Recovery times vary but generally you can expect to:

• Immediate Care: Pain and discomfort are common and usually relieved with prescription medications.

• Hospital Stay Most patients are able to go home in 1 to 2 days after surgery depending upon the procedure performed.

• Recovery: Most patients are able to resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to resume strenuous physical activity.

• Complications Possible complications include infection or blood clots, but these are rare. Patients should follow postoperative instructions carefully to minimize risk.

Benefits of Choosing Felix Hospital for Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Felix Hospital has the latest medical facilities and technology for inguinal hernia surgery with the highest standards of care. Our experienced surgeons provide the best results for patients through the latest surgical techniques and personalized care to suit your needs.

Why Felix Hospital?
 

• Experienced Surgeons: We have the best general surgeons in Noida for hernia surgery at Felix Hospital, ensuring the highest standard of expertise and care.

• Advanced Technology Minimally invasive surgery means shorter recovery time and less pain.

• All-inclusive care: Before, during and after your surgery, we’re with you every step of the way.

Cost of Inguinal Hernia Surgery at Felix Hospital

The cost of inguinal hernia surgery at Felix Hospital varies depending on the type of surgery, hospital stay, and any additional treatments. Our cost transparency ensures that patients understand the expenses personally, including:

• Surgery type (Open vs. Laparoscopic Surgery).

• Hospitalization costs (Room Charges, Nursing care, etc.).

• Follow-up care and any additional treatments.

Felix Hospital offers multiple insurance and payment options to help make treatment costs easier to manage.

Meet the Best General Surgeons at Felix Hospital

At Felix Hospital, we boast some of the best general surgeons in Noida who are highly experienced in hernia repair surgery.

• Dr. Ritesh Agrawal: A highly qualified and empathetic laparoscopic surgeon with more than 11 years of experience. Having a history of performing more than 10,000 laparoscopic surgeries successfully, he has developed a reputation as a skillful and empathetic practitioner. Dr. Agrawal's commitment to the quality of care has also played a vital role in the success of healthcare centers.

• Dr. Vishal Sharma: A renowned general and laparoscopic surgery consultant with special experience in minimally invasive hernia repair surgery. With over 11 years of experience, Dr. Sharma is an expert in all kinds of surgical procedures, such as gastrointestinal surgeries, trauma management, emergency surgical procedures, and so on. His innovative style of laparoscopic surgery has put him at the top of the list.

If you have an inguinal hernia, don’t wait for problems to develop. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert surgeons to find out the best course of action.

Conclusion

Having surgery for an inguinal hernia as soon as possible is the best way to avoid serious complications and enjoy good health over the long term. At Felix Hospital, we provide the best care with specialist surgeons of Laparoscopic, the latest surgical techniques, and the best patient support. If you or a loved one has symptoms of an inguinal hernia, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our experienced team to discuss treatment options.

FAQs on Hernia surgery

Q- Can an inguinal hernia be cured without surgery?
ANS: No. Although certain very small hernias are never symptomatic to start with, surgery is the only method of fixing an inguinal hernia and preventing its worsening. If one doesn't have surgery, the chances of developing complications such as strangulation build over time.
 

Q- Is laparoscopic repair always superior to open repair for fixing an inguinal hernia?
ANS:  Not necessarily. Laparoscopic surgery is less scarring and quicker recovery. But it varies with hernia size and type, patient health and past surgical history. Our surgeons will advise.
 

Q- Can I exercise or engage in physical activities immediately after surgery?
ANS:  This will depend upon the kind of surgery you underwent and the progress of recovery. Usually, you are required to visit your healthcare provider at a point when you are able to resume physical activity or exercise. They will consider the kind of surgery you underwent, your general health, and if they have any specific recovery guidelines for you. Just take their suggestions to achieve a safe and effective return to physical activity.
 

Q- What are the risks of not having surgery for an inguinal hernia?
ANS: Unless it is treated, a person may suffer from strangulation, whereby the blood flow to the herniated tissue is blocked and the tissue perishes. This may be fatal. The hernia will enlarge and be painful and result in further illness. An appointment with a doctor to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of operation for an inguinal hernia should be made.
 

Q- Will a hernia recur after operation?
ANS:  A hernia can recur after treatment. It is rare, but with proper operating technique and care after operation, recurrence is less likely. Felix Hospital applies latest techniques to ensure minimal chances of recurrence.
 

Q- Is there risk of infection from surgery for an inguinal hernia?
ANS:  As with any other operation, risk of infection is extremely low. With appropriate post-operative care, asepsis during the site of the operation, and follow-up return, infection risk is drastically reduced. We will instruct you on how to care for the wound.