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Inguinal hernia repair

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Herniorrhaphy; Hernioplasty

Definition    Return to top

Inguinal hernia repair is surgery to repair a hernia in the abdominal wall of your groin. A hernia is tissue that bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Your intestines may bulge out through this weakened area.

During hernia repair, this bulging tissue is pushed back in. Your abdominal wall is strengthened and supported with sutures (stitches), and sometimes mesh.

Description    Return to top

You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) for this surgery. If your hernia is small, you may receive local anesthesia and medicine to relax you. You will be awake but pain-free.

In open surgery, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) near your hernia.

Your surgeon may use a laparoscope instead of doing open surgery.

Why the Procedure is Performed    Return to top

Your doctor may suggest hernia repair surgery if you have pain or your hernia bothers you during your everyday activities. If your hernia is not causing you problems, you may not need surgery. But, these hernias do not go away on their own, and they may get larger. Sometimes the intestines inside of a hernia can become trapped. This can be life threatening. If it happens, you would need emergency surgery right away.

Risks    Return to top

Risks for any surgery are:

Risks for this surgery are:

Before the Procedure    Return to top

Always tell your doctor or nurse if:

During the week before your surgery:

On the day of your surgery:

After the Procedure    Return to top

Most patients are able to get out of bed an hour or so after this surgery. Most can go home the same day, but some may need to stay in the hospital overnight. If you have problems urinating, you may need a catheter (a flexible tube that will drain urine) in your bladder for a short time.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome of this surgery is usually very good. The hernia returns in less than 3 out of 100 patients who have this surgery.

References    Return to top

Malangoni MA, Rosen MJ. Hernias. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 44.

Update Date: 1/30/2009

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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