Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernias or groin hernias are the most common type of abdominal hernias. Inguinal hernias occur in both men and women, but they are much more common in men. As with all hernias, surgical repair is required to fix inguinal hernias, since they don’t disappear by themselves. The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre in Perth offers both open and laparoscopic surgery, to suit each patient's individual needs.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a bulge caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall in your groin area. It can occur on both sides of the lower abdomen in an area we call the inguinal canal. In men, this is where the testicles descend before birth. In women, there is a round ligament in this area. This point in the abdominal wall is naturally weaker, and it is called the internal inguinal ring.
Because of this weakness, organs may push through it and cause a bulge as well as discomfort or pain In some cases a hernia only causes minimal discomfort, but in other cases it can block digestion and you may need urgent medical attention.
The weak point can develop into a hernia if it does not seal properly. High pressure caused by heavy lifting or coughing can make it worse, and the intestine may bulge through the opening. This is called an 'indirect inguinal hernia'. Hernias may also develop in a second more medial point, and in this case we call it a 'direct inguinal hernia'.
If you have been diagnosed with a hernia, The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre in Perth is here to offer world-class excellence. Not only in providing expert surgery, but also in supporting you with a personalised care plan. We will always make sure you fully understand your condition and treatment options, and that you feel cared for and supported throughout your treatment journey.
Inguinal Hernia symptoms
You could be suffering from an inguinal hernia if you notice any of these symptoms:
- A bulge under your skin.
- Pain or discomfort as you cough, when you strain during urination or during bowel movements, as you lift a heavy object, or when you are standing or sitting for a longer period.
Typical symptoms include sharp pain, which may be getting worse towards the end of the day. An indirect hernia that has not been detected can often become very large, reaching the scrotum area. If the hernia is entrapped or strangulated, it would cause severe and continuous pain, as well as redness and tenderness. In this case, a hernia repair surgery may become an emergency.
If you experience any of those symptoms, we are here to help. Your surgeon at The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre in Perth will plan your routine tests to obtain the most detailed information for your diagnosis. After that, you can count on our many years experience delivering expert surgery, both in the field of hernia repair and in other areas of general surgery.
About Us
At Hernia & Gallbladder Centre WA we work as a team of expert surgeons, as well as hepatologists, gastro-enterologists and accredited dietitians.
Inguinal hernia treatment
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, surgery is the only treatment option and it usually involves one overnight stay at the hospital. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days or weeks after a hernia repair surgery. The exact time needed to return to normal will depend on the type of work you do as a patient.
After your diagnosis your surgeon will discuss the most suitable surgery technique:
- Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using mesh
- Open inguinal hernia repair using a mesh
Both open and laparoscopic surgery techniques are used to deliver excellent outcomes for our patients here at The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre in Perth.
Why The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre WA?
As you go over the options for your inguinal hernia repair surgery, it’s important to speak to a hernia surgeon at a specialist surgical practice to get the best treatment. So why would you come to The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre WA in Perth?
The strengths of our multi-disciplinary team would be:
- Experience: our Perth surgeons have been delivering hernia surgery for many years. They have an extensive experience in the latest laparoscopic techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures. And their track record shows excellent surgical outcomes.
- We value the importance of care and support, making sure that all our patients receive a personalised and caring experience. Not just in theatre as they undergo surgery, but also before, and after their surgery. Our team focuses on offering kindness, comfort and trust to every single patient.
- Another priority is to help you at the earliest convenience. We know it can be frustrating to wait before you can plan your surgery. That's why we go out of our way to reduce your wait time, organising your surgical care plan in the timeliest manner.
If you have any questions about hernia surgery, please feel free to call The Hernia & Gallbladder Centre on (08) 6163 2800 with your enquiry, we are always happy to hear from you.
Contact us
Hernia & Gallbladder Centre WA
McCourt St Medical Centre
Level 1, Suite 10, 2 McCourt Street
WEST LEEDERVILLE WA 6007
(Perth)
Hernia & Gallbladder Centre WA
Monday - Thursday | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Friday | 9.00am - 1.30pm