A groin hernia occurs when abdominal contents push through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall near the groin. The most common types are inguinal hernia and femoral hernia. This website explains groin hernias in detail and compares open, laparoscopic, and robotic repair.
Need assessment quickly? We use the same streamlined referral approach as Brisbane Hernia Clinic: Rapid access with Dr Watson (often within days, no GP referral required, Surgery ASAP where appropriate) and A/Prof Hugh McGregor (surgeon appointments typically 4–6 weeks depending on demand).
What is a groin hernia?
Groin hernias include inguinal and femoral hernias. They may present as a lump, discomfort with activity, or a dragging sensation. Some hernias are only noticeable with coughing or straining.
Groin hernia overviewDiagnosis
Diagnosis is often clinical. Ultrasound or CT may help when the lump is intermittent, in athletes with groin pain, or after prior hernia repair.
Symptoms & diagnosisRepair approaches
Choice depends on hernia type, size, recurrence, patient factors, and surgeon experience. Options include open repair, laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP), and robotic repair.
Compare treatmentsOpen repair
Open repair is a proven approach and can be ideal for certain primary hernias, patients with extensive prior abdominal surgery, or where minimally invasive access is not suitable. Typically performed with a small groin incision.
Laparoscopic & robotic repair
Minimally invasive approaches can reduce early discomfort for many patients and allow treatment of both sides through small incisions. Laparoscopic techniques include TEP and TAPP. Robotic repair offers enhanced dexterity and visualisation in selected cases.
Associate Professor Hugh McGregor
A/Prof Hugh McGregor is a specialist General Surgeon with a dedicated practice in groin and abdominal wall hernia surgery.
He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at The University of Queensland
He is the President of the Australia & New Zealand Hernia Society
He has completed over 4000 groin hernia repairs and over 6000 hernia repairs in total
He is an internationally recognised expert in chronic groin and abdominal wall pain and robotic hernia surgery
He is actively involved in surgical education, hernia research, and outcomes-based practice.
Other hernia types
While this site focuses on groin hernias, patients often ask about other hernias such as umbilical, epigastric, incisional, ventral and sports-related abdominal wall pain.