Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Inguinal hernia
If you are experiencing propblems with inguinal hernia, our HCA Healthcare UK specialists can diagnose and treat you
About
Inguinal hernia occurs as a result of a weakness in your abdominal wall. Tissue from organs such as your intestine can break through abdominal muscles. This results in a bulge that can be very painful, and may hurt with actions such as coughing. Enlarged hernias normally require surgery. Our HCA UK specialists are able to diagnose and treat you.
Need to know
If you develop inguinal hernia, you may experience the following symptoms:
- a visible bulge in the area around your pubic bone
- a burning or aching sensation around the bulge
- pain in this area with sudden movements, such as coughing
- pain, discomfort or feeling of weakness around the groin
- for men, you may feel pain or swelling in your testicles.
Diagnosis for inguinal hernia can be made with a physical examination. Your consultant may also ask you to stand and cough. If this causes you pain, you are showing a major symptom of the condition.
If the diagnosis remains unclear, your consultant may request you to have an X-ray or CT scan. These will provide more in-depth images of your abdominal area, helping to identify a hernia.
There are two main procedures for inguinal hernia repair. They can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic. Treatment options include:
- A laparoscopy. Your surgeon will make several incisions in your abdomen, and insert a laparoscope (small tube with a camera) into one of the incisions. This is to see your organs more clearly. Your surgeon will repair your hernia, tying it back into your abdomen with synthetic mesh
- For an open procedure, your surgeon makes an incision in your groin area. They then push the protruding tissue back into your abdomen, reinforcing it with synthetic mesh. The incision will be glued or stitched together
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.