Inguinal hernia: Everything you need to know - an interview with Dr René Spalinger
Dr. med. René Spalinger
May 7, 2025
5 min
An inguinal hernia is one of the most common surgical conditions and affects thousands of people in Switzerland every year. But what exactly happens with an inguinal hernia, what symptoms occur and when is an operation necessary? In this interview, we talk to Dr René Spalinger, who gives us an insight into modern diagnosis and treatment options. He explains what those affected should look out for, which surgical procedures are used today and how recovery can be optimally supported.
What exactly is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall at an anatomical weak point in the groin area. Tissue from the abdominal cavity can bulge outwards through the abdominal wall.
Why are men particularly affected by an inguinal hernia?
The reason lies in the special anatomy of the abdominal wall in men and the pelvis. However, women can also have inguinal hernias.
What are the causes of an inguinal hernia and are there any preventative measures?
An inguinal hernia is caused by localised tissue weakness. Stressful factors such as carrying heavy loads or increased pressure in the abdominal cavity (e.g. pressing hard when urinating) can favour the development of an inguinal hernia.
How do I recognise an inguinal hernia?
The main symptom of an inguinal hernia is a swelling in the groin area, which can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This swelling is sometimes slightly painful.
How do the doctors at Zollikerberg Hospital go about making a diagnosis?
The diagnosis is made clinically. A targeted palpation by the surgeon is almost always sufficient for the diagnosis. Imaging measures are not usually necessary.
What are the possible courses of untreated and treated inguinal hernias?
An untreated inguinal hernia does not disappear by itself. The swelling is often slightly painful and bothersome. In rare cases, the bowel can also become trapped and die off. This makes emergency surgery necessary.
Surgery is the only way to repair an inguinal hernia. The surgical methods used today are very gentle and are often performed on an outpatient basis.
What are the special features of surgical treatment at Zollikerberg Hospital?
At Zollikerberg Hospital, patients are always treated by experienced specialists. We rely on personal care, experience and state-of-the-art technology with human expertise.
What exactly is a hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall at an anatomical weak point in the groin area. Tissue from the abdominal cavity can bulge outwards through the abdominal wall.
Why are men particularly affected by an inguinal hernia?
The reason lies in the special anatomy of the abdominal wall in men and the pelvis. However, women can also have inguinal hernias.
What are the causes of an inguinal hernia and are there any preventative measures?
An inguinal hernia is caused by localised tissue weakness. Stressful factors such as carrying heavy loads or increased pressure in the abdominal cavity (e.g. pressing hard when urinating) can favour the development of an inguinal hernia.
How do I recognise an inguinal hernia?
The main symptom of an inguinal hernia is a swelling in the groin area, which can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This swelling is sometimes slightly painful.
How do the doctors at Zollikerberg Hospital go about making a diagnosis?
The diagnosis is made clinically. A targeted palpation by the surgeon is almost always sufficient for the diagnosis. Imaging measures are not usually necessary.
What are the possible courses of untreated and treated inguinal hernias?
An untreated inguinal hernia does not disappear by itself. The swelling is often slightly painful and bothersome. In rare cases, the bowel can also become trapped and die off. This makes emergency surgery necessary.
Surgery is the only way to repair an inguinal hernia. The surgical methods used today are very gentle and are often performed on an outpatient basis.
What are the special features of surgical treatment at Zollikerberg Hospital?
At Zollikerberg Hospital, patients are always treated by experienced specialists. We rely on personal care, experience and state-of-the-art technology with human expertise.
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