A groin or inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin region caused by the weakening of the muscle walls in the lower abdomen allowing the bowel or tissues to push through.
This is the most common type of hernia and can present as a swelling or lump in the groin or scrotum that disappears when lying flat. An inguinal hernia’s often occur after lifting heavy loads, straining when going to the toilet or a persistent and heavy cough.1
Surgery is recommended if the inguinal hernia is causing pain, severe and persistent symptoms or serious complications develop including bowel obstruction or bowel strangulation (blood supply is cut off to the bowel).
Surgery can be performed by laproscopic techniques (keyhole) to repair the hernia or by open surgery where the hernia is pushed back into the abdomen; both have their advantages and disadvantages that will need to be discussed with your Surgeon depending on your situation and preferences.
For further reading, please refer to Michael’s blog and the NHS website below.
Further Reading:
1https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inguinal-hernia-repair/ (accessed 29th January 2022)
General, Colorectal and Laproscopic Surgeon
I qualified from King’s College School of Medicine (London) in 1995 and went on to train in surgery in the London areas. I finished my Surgical training at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, the National Centre for Colorectal disease. I also completed a PhD in the genetics of Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis (FAP) jointly at St Mark’s and with Cancer Research UK, at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. I therefore have a strong background in both science and surgery.
At Ipswich hospital I have a number of senior roles and leadership is a significant part of my practice. These roles have included: Clinical Lead, Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) lead, Surgical Tutor and Health Education East of England (HEEoE) Performance Support Well-being Case Manager. My present Leadership roles include: Foundation Years Training Programme Director (TPD), General Medical Council (GMC) performance assessor Team Leader, and Appraiser and Educational Supervisor. The GMC recognises me as a dedicated trainer, for future doctors. I am trusted to teach the next generation of surgeons and therefore practice using the latest techniques following national guidelines in a professional manner.
