Surgical Care Group

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia forms when there is a weakness or hole in the fascia in the groin that permits structures from inside the abdomen to bulge or protrude.
The bulge associated with the hernia is often intestine or fatty tissue that has slipped into the hernia sac. Sometimes the contents of the hernia sac get stuck, and this is called an incarcerated hernia.
If the blood supply is cut off to the hernia sac contents, the tissue can or will become gangrenous. This is called a strangulated hernia.

Occasionally there is a bulge but no symptoms.
There may be a vague aching in the groin or more severe pain which radiates down the leg. This may develop after heavy lifting or physical exertion.
Most of the time, the bulge can be pushed back inside, or it goes back on its own when the person lies down.
If there is something caught in the sac, the bulge can be painful. If there is strangulated tissue in the hernia, the pain is intense and fever, abnormal laboratory findings and other signs of infection are present.

Repair can be done either through one small incision over the hernia (an open procedure), or through multiple smaller incisions, ½ to 1 cm (laparoscopic procedure).
Usually the hernia is repaired by placing a piece of polypropylene mesh at the site of the fascial defect.
Whether you choose to be asleep for the surgery or not, your surgical site will be injected with numbing medicine to make it more comfortable postoperatively.
Your incision will be closed with sutures under the skin that you will absorb.
The operation usually takes about an hour.

You may experience moderate discomfort for the first few days following surgery.
Most people will return to work within a week. If your job requires heavy lifting or physical exertion, you may need longer. This can be discussed at your follow-up visit.

Complications can include bleeding, infection, numbness, persistent pain, and urinary retention.