One of the most common surgical procedures worldwide is the repair of inguinal hernias, hernias that occur in the groin. An inguinal hernia is tissue — sometimes intestinal tissue — that bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall, below the belt line. Men are far more likely than women to get inguinal hernias, and the surgery is typically a low-risk, outpatient procedure.
We spoke with Paul Montero, MD, FACS, associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, about hernias, the surgery, and when hernia belts — or trusses — are an appropriate temporary measure for pain relief.