Inguinal hernia repair is a type of surgery. An inguinal hernia is a bulge under the skin in your groin. It happens when there is a weak spot in the groin muscle and a piece of the intestines or tissue pokes through the muscle. This can be painful.
You may have pain when you're active. Or it may be painful when you strain during a bowel movement or lift something heavy.
Surgery can help with your pain. It can also prevent serious problems that can happen if an organ or tissue gets stuck in the hernia.
There are two ways to do this surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one cut near the hernia. This cut is called an incision. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several very small incisions and uses a thin, lighted scope and small tools.
During surgery, the doctor pushes the bulge back in place. The doctor may place a piece of mesh on top of the bulge to help keep it in place. Then the healthy tissue is sewn back together.
Laparoscopic surgery leaves several small scars. Open surgery leaves one long scar. The scars fade with time.
After the surgery, you can probably return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks. How long it takes will depend on the type of surgery.
Most hernias that come back do so within 5 years after surgery.
The risk that a hernia will come back after surgery depends on the surgeon's experience, the type of hernia, and whether mesh is used. It also depends on your age and overall health.
The risk of the hernia coming back may be higher if your belly muscles aren't strong or healthy enough to "hold" the stitching (suture) material. The risk is also higher if you have bleeding or infection that weakens the repair.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
After surgery to repair a hernia, you're likely to have pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.
You should start to feel better after a few days. And you'll probably feel much better in 7 days. For a few weeks you may feel discomfort or pulling in the groin area when you move. You may have some bruising near the repair site and on your genitals. This is normal.
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