How is inguinal hernia repaired

They will strengthen the muscle layer with stitches, usually inserting a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot, and close your skin. You should be able to return to work after 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how much surgery you need and your type of work.

Do not lift anything heavy for at least 6 weeks. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Read more on Queensland Health website. An inguinal hernia repair is a routine operation with very few risks.

But a small number of hernias can come back at some point after surgery. Complications are more likely if you're aged over 50, smoke or have another illness, such as heart disease or breathing problems. Page last reviewed: 15 October Next review due: 15 October What is an inguinal hernia?

For information on other types of hernia , see: femoral hernia hiatus hernia umbilical hernia What causes an inguinal hernia? They have also been linked to having a persistent, heavy cough. When is surgery needed? Complications that can happen as a result of an inguinal hernia include: obstruction — where a section of the bowel becomes stuck in the inguinal canal, causing nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, as well as a painful lump in the groin strangulation — where a section of bowel becomes trapped and its blood supply is cut off; this requires emergency surgery within hours to release the trapped tissue and restore its blood supply so it does not die Surgery gets rid of the hernia to prevent any serious complications, but there's a chance it could return after the operation.

If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall a direct hernia , the bulge is pushed back into place. If the hernia is going down the inguinal canal indirect , the hernia sac is either pushed back or tied off and removed.

The weak spot in the muscle wall—where the hernia bulges through—traditionally has been repaired by sewing the edges of healthy muscle tissue together herniorrhaphy. This is appropriate for smaller hernias that have been present since birth indirect hernias and for healthy tissues, where it is possible to use stitches without adding stress on the tissue. But the surgical approach varies depending on the area of muscle wall to be repaired and the surgeon's preference.

Mesh patches of synthetic material are now being widely used to repair hernias hernioplasty. This is especially true for large hernias and for hernias that reoccur. Patches are sewn over the weakened area in the abdominal belly wall after the hernia is pushed back into place. The patch decreases the tension on the weakened belly wall, reducing the risk that a hernia will recur. Most people who have open hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day.

Recovery time is about 3 weeks. You most likely can return to light activity after 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 6 weeks of recovery. Don't do anything that causes pain.

You'll probably be able to drive again in about 2 weeks or when you have no pain in your groin. You can have sexual intercourse in about 3 weeks.

Swelling over the incision is common after hernia surgery. Make sure you ask for instructions about which medications you need to stop taking before surgery. Ask your doctor for specific instructions regarding the procedure and your medical condition. They might decide to use local anesthesia if the hernia is small.

Your surgeon will make an incision, locate the hernia, and separate it from surrounding tissues. Stitches will close up the tear or strengthen weak abdominal muscles.

More than likely, your surgeon will attach mesh to strengthen the abdominal tissues and reduce the risk of another hernia. Not using mesh will significantly increase the likelihood of getting a hernia in the future. In fact, despite recent negative press regarding use of abdominal mesh, use of mesh in an inguinal hernia repair remains the standard of care. Laparoscopy is useful when the hernia is small and easy to access.

This method leaves smaller scars than regular surgery, and recovery time is faster. Your surgeon will use a laparoscope — a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end — and miniaturized instruments to do what would otherwise be done in open surgery. Your doctor will probably encourage you to get up about an hour after surgery.

Men sometimes have difficulty urinating in the hours following surgery, but a catheter can help. A catheter is a tube that drains urine from the bladder. Inguinal hernia repair is often an outpatient procedure.

This means you can go home the same day as the surgery. However, if there are complications, you may have to remain in the hospital until they resolve. If you have open surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery.