Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia: Do You Always Need Surgery?

• Inguinal hernia: low in the abdomen at the groin crease; the most common type in men.
• Umbilical hernia: around the belly button; more likely with obesity and pregnancy.
• Incisional hernia: at the scar of a previous operation.
• Femoral hernia: more common in women and more likely to become trapped, so repair is usually advised once diagnosed.

In a study of 720 men with minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias, regular monitoring was an acceptable option: trapped hernias were rare, and those whose pain increased had surgery with similar results. So your surgeon may suggest monitoring if the hernia is small, causes little pain and goes back in easily.

• Pain or discomfort that affects work or movement.
• A hernia that is getting bigger or harder to push back.
• A femoral hernia, or a groin hernia in a woman.
• An umbilical hernia that is painful or will not go back in.

Sudden severe pain at the hernia, a bulge that becomes hard or red and won't go back, vomiting, or not passing wind or stool. These are signs of a strangulated hernia and need urgent surgery.

Repair usually involves a mesh that reinforces the abdominal wall, placed either laparoscopically through small cuts or through an open incision, depending on the hernia's type, size and any previous surgery. Possible risks include bruising, fluid collection, infection, occasional long-term pain in the area and the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will advise on hospital stay, return to work and lifting. Details are on our laparoscopic hernia repair in Dubai page.