Laparoscopic or Open Approach

The American Hernia Society website is a great first start. Ask the offices you call about the doctor’s experience and interest in hernias, especially hidden hernias among women. If they are not aware of it, then perhaps you should move on. If they have done over 500 or so inguinal hernias laparoscopically, that is a good start for you.

As for the ultrasound, there are no cystic lesions that typically occur in the inguinal region. More commonly, these are hernias. A specialist can examine you and help determine the cause of your pain and provide treatment. Your symptoms are very much consistent with a hernia. Another possibility could be a hip problem, such as a labral tear. That gives the pain with external rotation.

Lastly, an open repair is a perfectly sound option, as long as they also look for a femoral hernia and can repair a femoral hernia via open fashion. I would shy away from any mesh, unless it is a lightweight mesh or you are a heavy built person.