Hernia repair

An inguinal or groin hernia occurs when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen, often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men.

Some signs and symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

  • A bulge in the area of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you’re upright, especially if you cough or strain
  • A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
  • Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
  • A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin
  • Weakness or pressure in your groin
  • Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles occur when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
Hernia sign

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Other causes of hernias can include:

  • Increased pressure within the abdomen
  • A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
  • Straining during bowel movements or urination
  • Strenuous activity
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic coughing or sneezing

A physical exam is usually all that is needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. They can also ask you to stand and cough or strain because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent.

Healthcare providers recommend surgery for most inguinal hernias. The types of surgeries used to repair inguinal hernias include:

  • Open surgery
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Robotic-assisted surgery

Robot-assisted surgery can repair smaller hernias or rebuild your entire abdominal wall. There are many potential advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over other types of surgery, including:

  • Robot-assisted surgery provides the surgeon with 3D images of the inside of the abdomen that create a clearer picture for them to reference as they operate, compared to the 2D images used during laparoscopic surgery
  • Under the surgeon’s direction, the robot can move more freely and with more versatility than a human hand
  • You’ll have a few tiny scars rather than one large incision scar (as with open surgery)
  • You’re more likely to experience less pain and less bleeding after surgery compared to open surgery
  • You’re more likely to have a quicker recovery time than with open surgery

For more information about robotic surgery at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to learn more about other surgical options, please call (718) 206-7110 to make an appointment.