What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal or femoral hernia is caused by a weakness or disruption of the tissue in the body wall in the groin. Sometimes hernias are asymptomatic and other times can cause discomfort. Surgery is the only effective treatment to fix a hernia. The risk of not repairing a hernia is bowel becoming trapped in the defect causing a compromise to the blood supply to the bowel. Femoral hernias are less common than inguinal hernias. Femoral hernias are more common in women. They occur when the weakness is by the blood vessels that travel from the abdomen to pass to the legs. There is a higher risk of bowel getting trapped in a femoral hernia than an inguinal hernia. Most hernias can be repaired on an elective basis.
How Can We Help?
Groin hernias can be repaired laparoscopically or open. There are some patients who will not be eligible for a laparoscopic hernia repair. Almost all groin hernias are repaired with mesh. Exceptions may include children or patients who have an infection. The mesh is important to decrease the tension which decreases the rate of recurrence.
Who to Contact
Dr. Charlie Jones and Dr. Susan Hagen are general, vascular and thoracic surgeons with over 30 years of experience. To make an appointment, please call 303-443-2123.