A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine protrudes through a hole in the abdominal wall (the front wall of the abdominal cavity). The intestines should remain inside the abdominal cavity, but when the abdominal wall weakens, or the previously closed inguinal canal opens, a hole is formed, leading to a hernia. Hernias can occur naturally, such as inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and epigastric hernias, or they can result from surgical incisions.
Dr. Ko Yoon Song, director of the Abdominal Center at Seran Hospital, stated on Tuesday, “As people reach middle age, the abdominal wall often weakens, and factors such as severe coughing or lifting heavy objects, which excessively increase abdominal pressure, can easily lead to inguinal hernias.” He warned, “Engaging in exercises beyond one’s physical capacity, especially when abdominal muscles are not strong enough, raises the risk of hernias.”
Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for 70% of all hernias, and they frequently occur in men. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, as of 2023, there were approximately 54,000 patients with inguinal hernias, with 48,000 men and 6,200 women. Notably, the majority of cases occurred in middle-aged and elderly individuals aged 60-79, with a significant number of patients over 80 as well.
The inguinal region is where the leg meets the torso. This area experiences considerable pressure when standing upright or during activities that increase abdominal pressure. It contains large blood vessels and nerves that exit from the torso to the legs, making it relatively weak. In adults, most hernias result from excessive increases in intra-abdominal pressure, often occurring in individuals who engage in strenuous strength training or sports that involve heavy lifting, such as weightlifting or barbell exercises.
When an inguinal hernia occurs, patients may experience swelling in the groin area, and even if a lump is not palpable, they might feel discomfort on one side of the groin. A soft, rounded lump typically protrudes when a hernia forms, becoming more pronounced when pressure is applied. The primary diagnostic test for a hernia involves palpating the inguinal area while the patient stands and coughs or bears down as if having a bowel movement.
Surgical intervention is necessary to treat an inguinal hernia. Without surgery to correct and close the herniated area, a complete recovery is not possible. The surgical procedure involves removing or tying off the hernia sac and reinforcing the posterior abdominal wall.
Dr. Ko emphasized, “Hernias must be treated surgically,” and added, “Recently, laparoscopic surgery, which does not involve making incisions in the surgical area, is widely performed to minimize scarring and post-operative pain.” He emphasized, “Inguinal hernias generally do not cause pain, and the protrusion recedes when lying down. After surgery, it is important to avoid lifting heavy objects and to treat constipation or severe coughing to prevent recurrence thoroughly.”
