Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs as a result of the failure of the processus vaginalis to fuse. Inguinal hernias are classified as direct, indirect, or femoral. Indirect hernias are the pediatric-type; direct inguinal hernias begin appearing around age 29 in adults. Risk factors in children include male sex, family history, undescended testicle, hydrocele, and connective tissue disorder. Diagnosis requires physical examination, though small hernias can be extremely difficult to feel on exam. Femoral hernias are very rare in children and more common in females.

Three primary repair approaches exist for inguinal hernia: tissue repair, open mesh repair, and laparoscopic mesh repair. Within open repair, surgeons can perform repairs without mesh or with mesh using techniques such as Lichtenstein. Laparoscopic approaches include preperitoneal or extraperitoneal repairs. Literature supports all three approaches for unilateral primary hernias, with approach selection based on patient factors rather than one technique being substantially superior to others.

An inguinal hernia results from failure of the processus vaginalis to fuse. Indirect inguinal hernias, the most common type, occur through this anatomical defect. Risk factors in children include male sex, family history, undescended testicle, hydrocele, and connective tissue disorders. Inguinal hernia repair is the second most common surgery performed by pediatric surgeons. Diagnosis requires physical examination, though small hernias can be extremely difficult to detect clinically.

An inguinal hernia is a defect in the groin region resulting from failure of the processus vaginalis to fuse. Indirect inguinal hernias—the most common type—occur above the inguinal ligament and lateral to the epigastric vessels and represent a congenital anomaly present at birth. Inguinal hernias are very common, particularly in preterm infants, and inguinal hernia repair is the second most common surgery performed by pediatric surgeons. Risk factors include prematurity, male sex, family history, undescended testicle, hydrocele, and connective tissue disorders.

An inguinal hernia occurs when a weakness in the abdominal wall allows tissue to push through into the groin area. In children, inguinal hernias are a congenital condition—present from birth—that happens when a normal passage fails to close properly during development. In adults, a different type of hernia can develop later in life, typically starting around age 29, when changes in the abdominal floor create weakness. Some people are at higher risk because of family history, male sex, or connective tissue disorders. Hernias can sometimes be hard to detect on physical exam, especially smaller ones. Your care team can confirm whether you have one and discuss the best next steps for you.