An inguinal hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when soft tissue, usually part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak point or tear in the abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, and they are more common in men than women. There are two main types of inguinal hernias: indirect and direct.

• Description: An indirect inguinal hernia is the more common type and often occurs in infants but can affect people of any age.
• Cause: It typically results from a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall, present since birth. During fetal development, the inguinal canal, a passageway through the abdominal wall, may not close properly, leaving a potential space for tissue to protrude.
• Location: The hernia sac may follow the path of the descending testicle into the scrotum, making it more noticeable in the scrotum. However, it can also occur in females and may manifest as a bulge in the groin.

• Description: A direct inguinal hernia is more common in older adults and is usually a result of weakening of the muscles over time.
• Cause: It typically occurs when the muscles of the abdominal wall weaken, allowing the abdominal contents to push through a weak spot.
• Location: Unlike an indirect hernia, a direct inguinal hernia does not typically descend into the scrotum. It protrudes through the abdominal wall and is more likely to cause a bulge in the groin.

In addition to the classification based on the direction of protrusion, inguinal hernias can also be classified as reducible, irreducible (incarcerated), or strangulated:

• The bulging tissue can be pushed back into the abdomen, either spontaneously or with gentle manipulation.

• The hernia is unable to be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling.