An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue such as part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the groin area. Your doctor may recommend surgery to repair an inguinal hernia if it is getting larger or becomes painful. Either laparoscopic methods or open surgery may be used to repair the hernia by pushing the protruding tissue back into place and reinforcing the weakened abdominal wall with stitches or mesh.