Dr Rosemary Leonard

GETTING TO THE HEART OF MEDICAL MATTERS

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I've got a lump in my groin, and a scan has confirmed it's a reducible inguinal hernia because I can push it back in. My GP has said I should have an operation, but my brother had a hernia op a few years ago and he says his groin has been a bit uncomfortable ever since. I'm reluctant to have surgery unless it's really necessary.

A hernia occurs where an internal part of the body pushes through a weak area in muscle or the abdominal wall. Though inguinal hernias can occur in both sexes, they are especially common in men, as there is a small hole in the muscle wall containing the blood vessels to the testes.