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.
We are here for you
Hernia surgery with confidence and expertise
Hernias are a common condition that can occur in various places in the abdomen - particularly frequently as an inguinal or umbilical hernia. Our specialists recognise and treat these soft tissue hernias using state-of-the-art, usually minimally invasive procedures. The aim is to completely repair the affected area, often using gentle meshes for stabilisation.
Weitere Beiträge
Counsellor
Spinal surgery: everything you need to know
At Zollikerberg Hospital, the highest precision applies to one of the most central and at the same time most demanding areas of the body - the spine. Spinal surgery here means not only modern, minimally invasive technology, but above all sound expertise, experience and careful, holistic care. This is what Dr Filippo Mandelli, Head of the Spinal Surgery Clinic, and his team stand for. They treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal canal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal deformities and degenerative changes competently and sensitively and accompany patients on their way to greater stability and quality of life. In this interview, you can find out what is particularly important in these complex interventions - and what modern spinal medicine can achieve today.
Counsellor
Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) for drooping eyelids - a brief overview
The eyes are the mirror of our soul - and yet drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes or sagging skin on the eyelid can leave a tired and older impression. If you would like to regain an alert, fresh look, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) at Zurich Plastic Surgery can help. In this blog post, Prof Dr Hisham Fansa, Head of Plastic Surgery Zurich, explains why many people decide to have their drooping eyelids corrected and what is important during this procedure.
Counsellor
Visual impairment in old age: understanding and treating age-related macular degeneration
Good vision contributes significantly to quality of life. Changes in visual acuity can therefore be unsettling - especially if they occur suddenly or for no apparent reason. Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of impaired central vision. It often develops gradually and is not always noticed immediately. In this article, we give you a clear overview of the disease, typical signs, risk factors and modern treatment options. Our aim is to provide guidance and show how those affected can lead as self-determined and good a life as possible despite visual impairments.