Inguinal Hernia: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A groin lump that hurts while you bend, cough, or lift something heavy can be alarming. Most of the time, this is an inguinal hernia—India’s most common type of hernia, especially among men. Nearly 25% of Indian men are expected to face this condition at some point in their lives. This guide gives you a clear and complete understanding of Inguinal Hernia: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Whether you’re looking for the best inguinal hernia specialist in Hyderabad or reliable inguinal hernia treatment in Secunderabad, this updated article answers all your doubts in simple, everyday language. If you’re searching for top-rated hernia specialists in Hyderabad or an experienced inguinal hernia surgeon in Hyderabad, this blog is for you. We bring the most trusted insights from leading medical experts, including Dr. N. Subrahmaneswara Babu of Evoke Clinic and Apollo Hospital. We aim to guide patients step-by-step—from identifying symptoms to exploring the best treatment options.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia happens when intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles near the groin. You may notice a bulge on either side of your pubic bone that becomes more obvious when you stand up, cough, or strain. The bulge often disappears when you lie down.

Types of Inguinal Hernia:

There are two main types of inguinal hernia:

Indirect Inguinal Hernia:

• Common in infants and young adults
• Caused by a natural opening that didn’t close before birth
• The bulge follows the inguinal canal and may reach the scrotum
• Happens on the outer side of key blood vessels
• Most common type (about 80% cases)

Direct Inguinal Hernia:

• Seen in men over 40
• Caused by weak belly muscles
• Bulge pushes straight through the abdominal wall
• Appears closer to the centre of the groin
• Less common (around 20% cases)

Other Serious Types

• Incarcerated Hernia: The Bulge is stuck and can’t be pushed back. Needs quick treatment.
• Strangulated Hernia: Blood flow is cut off. It’s dangerous and needs emergency surgery.

What are the Inguinal Hernia Symptoms?

Emergency Warning Signs:

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Sudden severe pain that quickly intensifies
• Nausea and vomiting with the hernia
• Fever and chills
• Hernia bulge turns red, purple, or dark
• Inability to move bowels or pass gas

Common signs that patients in Hyderabad report include:

• Visible bulge in the groin area that enlarges when coughing or standing
• Burning or aching sensation at the bulge site
• Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
• Heavy or dragging sensation in the groin area
• Weakness or pressure in the groin
• Pain and swelling around the testicles occur when the hernia descends into the scrotum

How is Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed?

Top-rated hernia specialists in Hyderabad, like Dr. N. S. Babu, rely on simple yet effective methods to detect inguinal hernias early.

Clinical Check-up

Most hernias are found during a physical exam. Your doctor will:

• Look for a bulge in your groin while you stand
• Ask you to cough or strain to see if the bulge becomes more visible
• Gently press the area to check if the hernia can be pushed back

Tests if Doubtful:

If the hernia is not clear, these tests may help:

• Ultrasound: Quick and safe, but may miss small hernias
• MRI: Highly accurate; also checks muscle or tendon issues
• CT Scan: Rarely used, but can show complex cases
• Herniography: Very accurate, but used less due to minor risks

Early diagnosis by a general specialist ensures better and safer treatment.

Advanced Hernia Treatment Options Offered by Dr.N.S. Babu:

Dr. N. S. Babu is an experienced laparoscopic surgeon & hernia surgeon in Hyderabad, offering minimally invasive hernia surgery at Evoke Clinic and Apollo Hospital, Secunderabad. His focus is on safe, quick-recovery procedures with fewer cuts and less pain.

Mesh Technology:

Modern hernia repair uses advanced mesh materials:

• Standard polypropylene: Most common and cost-effective
• Lightweight mesh: May reduce chronic pain, but possibly higher recurrence risk
• Composite mesh: Non-absorbable component provides strength
• Biologic mesh: Expensive but useful in contaminated areas

Minimally Invasive Techniques:

Laparoscopic TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal):

• Preferred over the TAPP approach
• Lower chronic pain rates
• Faster recovery
• Excellent for bilateral hernias

Robotic Surgery:

• Highest precision and flexibility
• Excellent outcomes comparable to other techniques
• Higher cost but faster recovery in some cases

With over 18 years of surgical experience, Dr. N. S. Babu ensures high success rates and personalized care for every patient requiring hernia treatment in Hyderabad or Secunderabad.

Inguinal Hernia Prevention:

You can’t prevent a hernia from birth, but you can reduce your chances of getting one by protecting your abdominal muscles.

Simple Tips to Prevent Inguinal Hernia:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight puts pressure on your belly.
• Eat high-fibre foods: