Inguinal Hernia

Indication:

This is a bulge or area of weakness in the muscles which form the lower front of the stomach in the groin region.

Procedure:

This can be done either laparoscopically (keyhole) or as open surgery. A small laparoscope is used to visualize the area under the muscles of the abdomen to examine the weakened area. Two other instruments are inserted to display the area of weakness causing the hernia. A patch of material or mesh is then used to reinforce this weakened area. About 5% of hernias will recur after open or laparoscopic repairs. About 2% of laparoscopic hernia repairs have to be converted to open operations because of technical difficulties. In order to perform an open repair, a cut is made into the skin overlying the hernia. The bulge is pushed back, and the sac is cut off. The weak part is strengthened, usually with nylon stitches. A mesh patch is used to strengthen the defect. The cut in the skin is then closed-up.

Possible complications:

Complications are rare and seldom serious.
A lump may be present in the groin which may feel like the original hernia. Do not worry, this is normal.
Bruising and swelling may be troublesome, particularly if the hernia was large. The swelling may take four to six weeks to resolve.
Infection is a rare problem and will be treated appropriately by the surgeon.
Aches and pain may be felt in the wound for up to six months.
Occasionally there are numb patches in the skin around the wound which usually get better after 2 to 3 months.
The risk of a recurrence of the hernia is about 5:100. Recurrences after laparoscopic repair usually occurs in the first few months.

Duration:

Dependent on the size and complexity of the hernia.