ICD-Code K40.91: Unilateral or unspecified inguinal hernia, without obstruction or gangrene Recurrent hernia

You have a recurrent inguinal hernia.

You have previously had an operation on an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia has now recurred.

The groin is located between the abdomen and thighs. There are natural weak points in the inner layers of the abdominal wall in the groin area. The abdominal wall is the front part of the abdomen. The abdominal wall is made up of various layers. From the outermost to the innermost, the layers are: the skin, the fatty tissue, the muscles and various connective tissue layers. The inner layers of the abdominal wall are very firm. This keeps the abdominal organs in place, even when pressure inside the abdomen increases. The abdominal organs are located in the abdominal cavity. The inside of the abdominal cavity is covered by a thin membrane. This thin membrane also surrounds all the organs in the abdomen. The organs can move against each other thanks to this thin membrane.

In an inguinal hernia, the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity bulges outward through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area. This bulging membrane is called the hernia sac. On the outside, the hernia sac is covered by the skin of the body's surface and the fatty tissue under the skin.

The hernia sac of an inguinal hernia can be empty. However, parts of organs from the abdomen can also get inside it. This can happen particularly when the pressure inside the abdomen is high. The pressure inside the abdomen can increase, for instance, during coughing or straining. Pressure in the abdomen also increases with heavy lifting. Typically, you will then notice a bulge in the groin. The area may also be painful.