Inguinal hernia repair
Surgery for inguinal hernia
What the Procedure Involves
Benefits
Risks and Complications
Pre-operative and Post-operative Information
Pre-operative Information
Post-operative Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is inguinal hernia repair painful?expand_more
You may have some pain, discomfort, and bruising around the wound afterwards, but this is manageable with pain relief and usually improves over the following days. Chronic and persistent pain is a recognised complication of the procedure, but is uncommon.
Will I need mesh?expand_more
Most inguinal hernia repairs use a synthetic mesh to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the chance of the hernia coming back, whether the surgery is done as an open or keyhole procedure.
What's the difference between open and keyhole repair?expand_more
Open repair uses a single incision in the groin. Keyhole (laparoscopic) repair uses several smaller cuts and a camera to repair the hernia from inside. Both are commonly performed under general anaesthetic and typically use mesh; we'll discuss which is most suitable for you.
How soon can I return to work?expand_more
This depends on the extent of your surgery and the nature of your work.
Can the hernia come back after surgery?expand_more
It's possible, sometimes years later, though using mesh reduces this risk compared with leaving a hernia untreated or managing it with a truss (support belt).