Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. A hernia is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall, especially near the groin, navel or near any previous surgical incisions. Men usually get this type of hernia while women tend to suffer from femoral hernias that occur at the top of the thigh, which occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Hernias may be present from birth or develop over a period of time. Typically, treatment involves surgery in which both sides of the hole are stitched together while the patient is under general anesthesia.
Recovery can take months and is often accompanied by discomfort and reduced activity.
While carefully avoiding crucial nerves and cauterizing minor blood vessels, a small white conical shaped plug that resembles a badminton birdie is inserted into the hole or hernia. The tapered shape of the plug eases insertion into the defect and fills the hole much like a cork in the neck of a bottle. The plug's umbrella shape allows it to expand and contract with the groin muscles to provide tension-free hernia repair, according to Millikan. The hole is then covered with a specially formulated, plastic mesh patch, which is placed over the entire groin area for reinforcement before the incision is sewn up. Total time for this surgery is often about 30 minutes and because the patient is on local anesthesia there is no grogginess to overcome.