Inguinal Hernia Surgery

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers. Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall. This produces a lump called a hernia. An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which nerves and a ligament pass through your abdominal wall.

The Procedure

What Does the Operation Involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about 45 minutes. Your surgeon will make a cut on your groin and remove the 'hernial sac'. They will strengthen the muscle layer with stitches, usually inserting a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot, and close your skin.

What Complications Can Happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death. However, serious complications are very rare.

General Complications of Any Operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung
Infection of the surgical site (wound)

Specific Complications of This Operation

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under your wound
Injury to structures that come from your abdomen and are within the hernia
Temporary weakness of your leg
Continued discomfort or pain in your groin

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the same day. Increase how much you walk around over the first few days. 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. 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. Most women make a full recovery and can return to normal activities. The hernia can come back many years later and you may need another operation.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrator: Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information.

This page is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant healthcare team would give you.