A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weakened muscle or connective tissue. While often underestimated, hernias are more common than many realise. In 2019 alone, 32.53 million cases of inguinal, femoral, and abdominal hernias were recorded globally, with 13.02 million new cases – primarily among men aged 50 to 69. Approximately one in four men within this age group will experience an inguinal hernia during their lifetime.
Dr. Soon Yuen, Consultant in General Surgery and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), highlights the importance of awareness, timely diagnosis, and advances in surgical care that can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The higher risk of hernias in men is largely tied to anatomy. During embryonic development, the testicles descend through the abdominal wall into the scrotum, leaving behind a natural opening known as the inguinal canal. Although this canal usually closes, it remains a potential weak point. When pressure inside the abdomen increases and overwhelms the wall’s strength, hernias may occur. Common contributing factors include chronic coughing or constipation, obesity, a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, and strenuous physical activity or improper lifting.
Hernias often manifest as a lump or bulge in the groin or abdomen, sometimes accompanied by discomfort or pain that worsens with lifting, coughing, or exertion. Dr. Soon notes that while some hernias remain asymptomatic, delaying treatment can be dangerous. Around 5% of cases risk incarceration or strangulation, where part of the intestine becomes trapped and cannot be repositioned, leading to severe complications. Key warning signs include sudden severe pain, nausea, or vomiting – symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the hernia. Small, symptom-free hernias may be monitored, but surgery is recommended when they enlarge or cause discomfort. Traditional open surgery remains effective, especially for large or complicated cases, while laparoscopic surgery offers a less invasive alternative. A cutting-edge option is single-port surgery, which requires only one small incision. “This technique reduces scarring, postoperative pain, and recovery time compared to traditional and laparoscopic approaches,” Dr. Soon explains. “Most patients can go home the same day, resume activities within three to seven days, and many do not even require pain medication.”
Prevention plays a vital role as well. While anatomy and age cannot be controlled, individuals can lower their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening core muscles, addressing chronic cough or constipation, and practicing safe lifting techniques.
Dr. Soon stresses that patient education and early consultation are essential. “Engaging patients in the decision-making process empowers them to make informed choices and follow their care plans,” he says. “This approach not only improves recovery but also minimises recurrence rates.”
As Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, Sunway Medical Centre continues to lead in innovation and patient care. Being the first hospital in the nation to earn three major accreditations – Joint Commission International (JCI), Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), and Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) – SMC remains committed to advancing surgical techniques and empowering patients through knowledge, collaboration, and world-class healthcare.