A inguinal hernia occurs when the bowel protrudes through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place. In men, a hernia can develop at the point where the spermatic cord passes out of the abdomen into the scrotum. A direct inguinal hernia creates a bulge in the groin area, and an indirect hernia descends into the scrotum. Inguinal hernias occur less often in women than men.
Surgery
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair involves making an incision below the belly-button. A special ballooned instrument is then inserted in the space between the abdominal muscles and the lining of the abdomen. Two smaller incisions allow a passage for other specialized surgical instruments. The contents of the hernia are reduced and the defect is repaired by inserting a piece of mesh to patch the hernia defect.
