What is an inguinal hernia?
A person with an inguinal hernia has a piece of intestine that protrudes through an abnormal opening in the abdominal wall in the groin. In a person with an incarcerated hernia, the intestine has become stuck in the abnormal opening. About 70 percent of all hernias are inguinal hernias. Inguinal hernias completely resolve with surgery.

What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
The most common symptom of an inguinal hernia is a bulge or knot, formed by the intestine that is present under the skin in the groin. This may occur in the crease between the leg and the thigh. It may also occur in the scrotum in males, or in the labia of females. Additional symptoms of inguinal hernia may include enlargement of the hernia, hernia pain, scrotum swelling, groin pain, groin swelling, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, constipation, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

How does the doctor treat an inguinal hernia?
In most cases, treatment for inguinal hernias requires surgery. The surgeon places the intestine back into the abdomen and repairs the weakened area in the abdominal wall.