Surgery has generally been recommended for all inguinal hernias to avoid complications such as strangulation, in which a loop of intestine becomes tightly trapped in a hernia, cutting off the blood supply to that part of the intestine. But surgery may not be needed if the hernia is small and you do not have symptoms. Consult with your doctor to decide if you need hernia repair surgery.
If a hernia in an adult can be pushed back (reduced), surgery can be done at the person's convenience. If it cannot be pushed back, surgery must be done sooner.
During surgery, the hernia sac is removed and occasionally a couple of stitches are used to close the opening of the inguinal canal nearest the abdominal cavity (internal ring).
Most hernia repairs are done as outpatient surgery. Anesthesia can be local, spinal, or general.
The use of synthetic patches or mesh for hernia repair is becoming standard for adult surgery. The mesh or patch is used to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent hernias from recurring. Previously, these were used mostly for hernias that were large or hard to repair.
Laparoscopic hernia surgery may have some advantages over open surgery in certain situations. Studies show that people have less pain after this type of surgery and return to work and other activities more quickly than after open repair. But laparoscopic surgery is more expensive than open repair. And laparoscopic surgery has a higher risk for serious complications.3
The risk of a hernia coming back after surgery varies depending on a surgeon's experience, the type of hernia, if mesh is used, and the person's age and overall health.
Inguinal Hernia - Surgery
Surgery has generally been recommended for all inguinal hernias to avoid complications such as strangulation, in which a loop of intestine becomes tightly trapped in a hernia, cutting off the blood supply to that part of the intestine. But surgery may not be needed if the hernia is small and you do not have symptoms.
If a hernia in an adult can be pushed back (reduced), surgery can be done at the person's convenience. If it cannot be pushed back, surgery must be done sooner.
During surgery, the hernia sac is removed and occasionally a couple of stitches are used to close the opening of the inguinal canal nearest the abdominal cavity (internal ring).
Most hernia repairs are done as outpatient surgery. Anesthesia can be local, spinal, or general.
The use of synthetic patches or mesh for hernia repair is becoming standard for adult surgery. The mesh or patch is used to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent hernias from recurring. Previously, these were used mostly for hernias that were large or hard to repair.
Laparoscopic hernia surgery may have some advantages over open surgery in certain situations. Studies show that people have less pain after this type of surgery and return to work and other activities more quickly than after open repair. But laparoscopic surgery is more expensive than open repair. And laparoscopic surgery has a higher risk for serious complications.3
The risk of a hernia coming back after surgery varies depending on a surgeon's experience, the type of hernia, if mesh is used, and the person's age and overall health.
Recurrence rates after hernia repair are lower when experienced surgeons perform the procedure.
Using mesh to repair the weak muscle in the stomach wall makes it less likely that the hernia will come back.
Should I have surgery for inguinal hernia now, or should I wait?
One of the major decisions concerning infants and children is whether to explore the opposite groin area for a hernia during a hernia repair. A hernia develops in the other side of the groin in about 30% of children who have had hernia surgery.
Surgery Choices
Two types of surgery are done to repair inguinal hernias:
Open hernia repair (herniorrhaphy, hernioplasty) and Laparoscopic hernia repair
What To Think About
The laparoscopic procedure causes less pain and numbness after surgery and generally allows you to return to work and activities sooner. But serious complications such as bladder injury are more likely to occur with a laparoscopic procedure. General anesthesia is required.
Laparoscopic surgery may not be possible for a person who has tissues that have grown together (adhesions) from previous abdominal operations.
There are some considerations before having inguinal hernia repair surgery. Talk with your doctor so that you make the best decision for your condition.
