Patient Information

Inguinal Hernia Repair

What to expect from inguinal hernia repair surgery — including types of repair, anaesthetic options, recovery, and risks.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when a weakness in the abdominal wall in the groin allows tissue — usually fat or bowel — to push through. Once a true inguinal hernia has developed, it will not go away without surgery. The underlying weakness in the abdominal wall remains, and hernias may gradually enlarge and become more symptomatic over time.

How a Hernia May Present

·A lump in the groin

·Discomfort or aching, especially on standing or lifting

·A dragging or heavy sensation

·A lump that may come and go

Natural History & When Surgery Is Recommended

The risk of emergency complications (incarceration or strangulation) is generally less than 1% per year for small, minimally symptomatic hernias, but is not zero. Surgery is usually recommended if you have:

·Pain or discomfort affecting daily life

·Increasing size of the hernia

·Interference with work, exercise, or lifting

·Difficulty reducing the hernia

In selected patients with minimal symptoms, careful observation ("watchful waiting") may be appropriate.

Non-Surgical Management (Trusses and Supports)

A hernia truss or support belt may sometimes be used as a temporary measure to reduce discomfort and provide external support during activity. A truss does not repair the hernia or close the defect — it is a symptom-control measure only. It should be avoided if the hernia becomes painful, tight, or difficult to reduce.

Types of Hernia Repair

Open Hernia Repair

A small incision is made in the groin, the hernia is reduced, and mesh is placed to reinforce the weakness.

Advantages

·Can be performed under local, spinal, or general anaesthetic

·Well-established technique suitable for most patients

·Day-case procedure in most cases

Disadvantages

·Groin discomfort early after surgery

·Small risk of long-term groin pain

Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Repair

Performed through small abdominal incisions using a camera. Mesh is placed internally.

Advantages

·Less postoperative pain for many patients

·Faster recovery

·Small external scars

·Useful in bilateral or recurrent cases

Disadvantages

·Requires general anaesthetic

·Not suitable for all patients

Robotic Hernia Repair

A keyhole technique performed using a robotic system for enhanced precision, particularly useful in selected or complex cases.

Advantages

·Excellent visualisation and precision

·Similar recovery benefits to laparoscopic surgery

Disadvantages

·Requires general anaesthetic

·Not available in all centres

On the Day of Surgery

·Admission on the day of surgery

·Review by surgical and anaesthetic teams

·Confirmation of consent

·Most patients go home the same day

Recovery

You may experience bruising, swelling, groin discomfort, or temporary numbness — usually manageable with simple pain relief.

·Walking: same day encouraged

·Driving: ~3–7 days (when comfortable)

·Desk work: 1–2 weeks

·Heavy lifting: 4–6 weeks

Risks & Complications

Common

·Bruising and swelling (10–20%)

·Seroma — fluid collection (5–10%)

·Temporary numbness (5–15%)

·Short-term discomfort (very common)

Less Common

·Wound infection (1–2%)

·Recurrence (1–5%)

·Chronic groin pain (5–10%; severe pain ~1–2%)

·Haematoma (1–2%)

Rare but Serious

·Mesh infection (<0.5%)

·Injury to bowel, bladder, or blood vessels (<0.5%)

·Testicular complications (<0.5%)

·Serious anaesthetic complications (very rare)

Mesh

Mesh is used in most repairs to strengthen the area and reduce recurrence risk. Long-term mesh-related problems are uncommon.

When to Seek Medical Advice After Surgery

·Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound

·Fever or feeling unwell

·Worsening groin pain

·Rapidly enlarging swelling

·Difficulty passing urine

Important Reassurance

Inguinal hernia repair is a common and generally safe operation. Most patients recover well and experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

Ready to discuss your hernia?

Initial consultation from £250 · 30 minutes · Appointments usually available within days

Book a Consultation ☎ 01603 813 732