An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of an intraabdominal organ, often the small bowel, through an opening in the inguinal area of the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are very common, occurring in approximately 5% of the general population. Risk factors include a personal / family history of hernias, history of prior hernia or hernia repair, advanced age, male sex, smoking, prior abdominal wall injury, chronic constipation, and chronic cough. Inguinal hernias can be congenital or acquired. They are caused by a weakening or failed closure of fibromuscular groin tissue.

Symptoms from inguinal hernias can vary considerably. The hernia can be seen as an asymptomatic bulge, can cause intermittent discomfort, or be an acute emergency with severe abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and sepsis if strangulation or bowel obstruction develops. Symptoms typically worsen with increased intraabdominal pressure (eg, prolonged standing, weight lifting).

Inguinal hernias can be classified as either direct or indirect, determined by their location. An indirect inguinal hernia's defect is at the internal inguinal ring. A direct inguinal hernia's defect is medial to the inferior epigastric vessels within Hesselbach's triangle. Indirect inguinal hernias are more common and are often attributed to congenital defects; direct inguinal hernias are often acquired in the setting of connective tissue weaknesses.