An inguinal hernia can lead to life-threatening complications and might require prompt surgical treatment. At South Shore Surgical in Valley Stream, New York, the highly trained surgeon, and physician Ira Klonsky, MD, provides different types of quality surgeries for inguinal hernias, including the revolutionary minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic technology allows for minimal downtime and smoother recoveries. Relieve your pain and take charge of your health. Call South Shore Surgical or click to book here on the website.

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What is an inguinal hernia?

You develop an inguinal hernia when tissue, such as part of your intestine, protrudes out through a weak part in your abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you bend over, lift a heavy object or cough.

In men, the weak part typically happens in the inguinal canal, where the spermatic cord enters the scrotum. In women, the inguinal canal carries a ligament that securely holds the uterus in place. In women, hernias sometimes happen where connective tissue from the uterus attaches to the tissue that surrounds the pubic bone.

Some newborns and children have inguinal hernias due to weakness in the abdominal wall that’s present at birth.

If you can’t push the hernia in, the hernia contents might be trapped in your abdominal wall. If this happens, the hernia can become strangulated (strangulated hernia), meaning that blood flow to the trapped tissue is cut off. This is a life-threatening condition.

What causes an inguinal hernia?

Some inguinal hernias don’t have a clear cause. Others might be caused by:

  • Increased pressure within the abdomen
  • A pre-existing weak part in the abdominal wall
  • Strenuous activity
  • Pregnancy
  • Chronic sneezing or coughing

An inguinal hernia might also come from straining during urination or bowel movements.

How is an inguinal hernia treated?

How the hernia is treated depends on its size and severity. Enlarged or painful hernias typically require surgery.

There are two types of hernia operations — laparoscopic repair and open hernia repair.

Open hernia repair

An open hernia repair is performed under local or general anesthesia and involves an incision in your groin. Dr. Klonsky pushes the protruding tissue back into your abdomen and closes the weakened area with surgical glue, or medical stitches or staples. In some cases, the weakened area is reinforced with a synthetic mesh (hernioplasty) before the opening is closed.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that usually involves general anesthesia. Dr. Klonsky operates through several small incisions in your abdomen and uses gas to inflate your abdomen to make your internal organs easier to see.

Dr. Klonsky inserts a small tube equipped with a tiny camera (laparoscope) into one incision. Guided by the camera, which transmits video onto a screen, Dr. Klonsky inserts tiny instruments through other incisions to repair your hernia.

For the best possible prompt medical treatment, call South Shore Surgical or schedule online today.