From Bulges to Breakthrough Surgery: A Modern Look at Hernias in Men

27 August 2025

For many men, a hernia is the health issue they don’t think about until it becomes impossible to ignore. Yet statistics reveal just how widespread the condition is. In 2019 alone, more than 32 million hernia cases were recorded worldwide, with men aged 50 to 69 making up the majority. 

Dr Soon Yuen, Consultant in General Surgery and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at Sunway Medical Centre in Sunway City, sheds light on this condition, exploring its symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the benefits of modern surgical advances.

Understanding the Root Cause: Anatomy and Physiology

Men are more prone to hernias due to their unique anatomy. During embryonic development, the testicles descend from the abdomen into the scrotum through the abdominal wall. 

This passage creates a natural opening, the inguinal canal, which can remain as a weak point in the abdominal wall. Although this canal usually closes properly, it leaves men more vulnerable to developing inguinal hernias later in life.

Hernias form when pressure inside the abdomen becomes stronger than the abdominal wall can withstand, exploiting weak areas. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of a hernia include chronic cough or constipation, obesity, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, and heavy lifting without proper technique.

Recognising the Symptoms of a Hernia

Hernias can take various forms, with inguinal and umbilical hernias being the most common, according to Dr Soon. Less frequent types include Spigelian and Lumbar hernias. Some hernias may produce no symptoms at all, but others cause noticeable lumps, discomfort, or pain.

“Patients often come forward with either a visible bulge or pain,” explains Dr Soon. Delaying treatment can be dangerous, as around 5% of cases progress to complications such as incarceration or strangulation, where part of the intestine becomes trapped and cannot be repositioned.

These complications can cause severe problems that require urgent, more complex surgery. Left untreated, hernias also tend to grow larger, making eventual repair more challenging.

Watch out for bulges or lumps in the groin or abdomen, pain that worsens with activity, coughing or heavy lifting, and severe symptoms such as intense pain, nausea, or vomiting — these could signal strangulation requiring emergency care.

Advancements in Hernia Repair: The Era of Single-Port Surgery

“Hernias do not resolve without intervention,” stresses Dr Soon, underlining the importance of early medical assessment. Today, patients benefit from a range of surgical options tailored to their condition:

• Watch and Wait: Small, symptom-free hernias can be monitored, but medical attention is needed if they grow or cause discomfort.
• Open Surgery: A traditional approach involving a larger incision to repair the hernia with stitches or mesh. This is often used for large or complicated cases.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive technique using small incisions, offering faster recovery and less scarring.

Single-port surgery represents the latest advancement in laparoscopic techniques. Using just one small incision, surgeons can repair the hernia with minimal trauma. “This method reduces scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional surgery,” says Dr Soon. “Most patients are discharged the same day, resume daily activities within three to seven days, and often do not require painkillers.”

For more complex cases such as recurrent or very large hernias, advanced surgical expertise is essential. However, single-port surgery has significantly improved recovery and outcomes for the majority of patients.

Preventing Hernias: Practical Steps

Some risk factors, such as anatomy and age, are beyond our control. However, lifestyle adjustments can help lower the likelihood of developing a hernia. Key preventive measures include practising safe lifting techniques, keeping to a healthy body weight, building core strength, and addressing underlying conditions that cause chronic coughing or constipation.

Dr Soon emphasises the importance of early medical advice. “Timely diagnosis and treatment not only improve recovery but also help maintain a better quality of life,” he says.

Effective hernia management goes beyond surgery. Dr Soon advocates for educating patients and encouraging collaboration with healthcare providers. “When patients understand their condition and treatment options, they can make informed choices and engage actively in their recovery. This partnership improves outcomes and reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.”

Source: BUSINESSTODAY

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