Inguinal Hernia

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Overview

A hernia occurs when internal organs within a body cavity protrude through a defect or an area of weakness in the muscular wall of the cavity. This is a very common surgical condition.

Depending on the location and the causes, there are different types of hernia.

inguinal hernia

Symptoms

An inguinal hernia can appear as a visible bulge in the groin area or the scrotum. The bulge increases in size when standing or straining. It disappears upon lying down. The bulge may be associated with occasional localised pain or discomfort during straining or coughing. When the contents of the hernia cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernia is called incarcerated or irreducible. When the hernia causes blockage of the intestines, the person may have symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation. When the blood supply to the entrapped intestine is compromised (strangulation), this is a medical emergency and needs immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Treatment

It is advisable to seek medical attention whenever a hernia is suspected or found.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually made by physical examination.
Occasionally an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan may be necessary.

Treatment

Hernias cannot be treated with medication. Surgery to repair the hernia is the only definitive form of treatment.

A surgical operation to repair the hernia involves putting in a mesh, which is a net-like material to repair the defect or the hole in the muscular wall and strengthen the abdominal wall muscles. A hernia repair can be performed laparoscopically or by traditional open surgery.

Causes

An inguinal hernia may occur without a definite cause.

Risk Factors

  • Male
  • Increased age
  • Obesity
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites)

Consult Our Doctors

colorectal cancer specialists

Dr Jane Tan Jye Yng

Colorectal & General Surgeon

Lim Khong Hee

Dr Lim Khong Hee

Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon

Cost & Financing

Nexus Surgical provides comprehensive financial services to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience. 

Contact Us

Mount Alvernia Hospital Medical Centre A

(65) 6353 4855

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

(65) 6235 8633

Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre

(65) 6570 2720

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Our clinics will be closed from 16 – 18 Feb for CNY

Notice on Clinic Relocation

Our clinic at Mt Alvernia Medical Centre A will be relocating from #06-05 to #03-03 (within the same building) on Friday, 26 Sep afternoon.

Our telephone line 6353 4855 will be temporarily unavailable from 12:00pm – 6:00pm on 26 September. During this period, you may reach out to our other clinics for assistance:

We will begin operations at our new premises (#03-03) from Tuesday, 30 Sep onwards.

We look forward to serving you at our new clinic!

Nexus Surgical clinics at Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre and Mt Alvernia Medical Centre will be closed on 28 January 2025 for Lunar New Year celebrations, while our clinic at Mt Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre remains open from 0900-1300 hours on 28 January 2025.

Please leave a message in our voice mails and we will respond to you as soon as we can when we resume our clinics on 31 January 2025. If you require any urgent assistance, kindly go to the Urgent Care Centre of any hospitals or contact your doctor through the Emergency Answering Service. Our team at Nexus Surgical would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year with good health in the Year of the Snake!

Nexus Surgical will be away from 17 to 20 October 2024 for our Annual Company Retreat. The aim of our retreat is to review and to recharge, so that we may serve you better. 

Our clinics at Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Alvernia and Parkway East hospitals will therefore be closed during this period. In the meantime, if you require any urgent assistance, kindly contact us through our Answering Service at +65 6333 5550.

We thank you for your understanding and patience for any inconvenience.