Inguinal hernia repair



Definition

Inguinal hernia repair, also known as herniorrhaphy, is the surgical correction of an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is an opening, weakness, or bulge in the lining tissue (peritoneum) of the abdominal wall in the groin area between the abdomen and the thigh. The surgery may be a standard open procedure through an incision large enough

This patient has an indirect inguinal hernia (A). To repair it, the surgeon makes an incision over the area and separates the muscle and tisses to expose the hernia sac (B). The sac is cut open (C), and the contents are replaced into the abdomen (D). The neck of the hernia sac is tied off (E), and the muscles and tissues are sutured (F). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
This patient has an indirect inguinal hernia (A). To repair it, the surgeon makes an incision over the area and separates the muscle and tisses to expose the hernia sac (B). The sac is cut open (C), and the contents are replaced into the abdomen (D). The neck of the hernia sac is tied off (E), and the muscles and tissues are sutured (F). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)
to access the hernia or a laparoscopic procedure performed through tiny incisions, using an instrument with a camera attached (laparoscope) and a video monitor to guide the repair. When the surgery involves reinforcing the weakened area with steel mesh, the repair is called hernioplasty.


Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is performed to close or mend the weakened abdominal wall of an inquinal hernia.


Demographics

The majority of hernias occur in males. Nearly 25% of men and only 2% of women in the United States will develop inguinal hernias. Inguinal hernias occur nearly three times more often in African American adults than in Caucasians. Among children, the risk of groin hernia is greater in premature infants or those of low birth weight. Indirect inguinal hernias will occur in 10–20 children in every 1,000 live births.

Description

About 75% of all hernias are classified as inguinal hernias, which are the most common type of hernia occurring in men and women as a result of the activities of normal living and aging. Because humans stand upright, there is a greater downward force on the lower abdomen, increasing pressure on the less muscled and naturally weaker tissues of the groin area. Inguinal hernias do not include those caused by a cut (incision) in the abdominal wall (incisional hernia). According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 700,000 inguinal hernias are repaired annually in the United States. The inguinal hernia is usually seen or felt first as a tender and sometimes painful lump in the upper groin where the inguinal canal passes through the abdominal wall. The inguinal canal is the normal route by which testes descend into the scrotum in the male fetus, which is one reason these hernias occur more frequently in men.

Hernias are divided into two categories: congenital (from birth), also called indirect hernias, and acquired, also called direct hernias. Among the 75% of hernias classified as inguinal hernias, 50% are indirect or congenital hernias, occurring when the inguinal canal entrance fails to close normally before birth. The indirect inguinal hernia pushes down from the abdomen and through the inguinal canal. This condition is found in 2% of all adult males and in 1–2% of male children. Indirect inguinal hernias can occur in women, too, when abdominal pressure pushes folds of genital tissue into the inquinal canal opening. In fact, women will more likely have an indirect inguinal hernia than direct. Direct or acquired inguinal hernias occur when part of the large intestine protrudes through a weakened area of muscles in the groin. The weakening results from a variety of factors encountered in the wear and tear of life.

Inguinal hernias may occur on one side of the groin or both sides at the same or different times, but occur most often on the right side. About 60% of hernias found in children, for example, will be on the right side, about 30% on the left, and 10% on both sides. The muscular weak spots develop because of pressure on the abdominal muscles in the groin area occurring during normal activities such as lifting, coughing, straining during urination or bowel movements, pregnancy, or excessive weight gain. Internal organs such as the intestines may then push through this weak spot, causing a bulge of tissue. A congenital indirect inguinal hernia may be diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or later in adulthood, influenced by the same causes as direct hernia. There is evidence that a tendency for inguinal hernia may be inherited.

A direct and an indirect inguinal hernia may occur at the same time; this combined hernia is called a pantaloon hernia.

A femoral hernia is another type of hernia that appears in the groin, occurring when abdominal organs and tissue press through the femoral ring (passageway where the major femoral artery and vein extend from the leg into the abdomen) into the upper thigh. About 3% of all hernias are femoral, and 84% of all femoral hernias occur in women. These are not inquinal hernias, but they can sometimes confuse the diagnosis of inguinal hernias because they curve over the inguinal area. They are more often accompanied by intestinal obstruction than inguinal hernias.

Because inguinal hernias do not heal on their own and can become larger or twisted, which may close off the intestines, the prevailing medical opinion is that hernias must be treated surgically when they cause pain or limit activity. Protruding intestines can sometimes be pushed back temporarily into the abdominal cavity, or an external support (truss) may be worn to hold the area in place until surgery can be performed. Sometimes, other medical conditions complicate the presence of a hernia by adding constant abdominal pressure. These conditions, including chronic coughing, constipation, fluid retention, or urinary obstruction, must be treated simultaneously to reduce abdominal pressure and the recurrence of hernias after repair. A relationship between smoking and hernia development has also been shown. Groin hernias occur more frequently in smokers than nonsmokers, especially in women. A hernia may become incarcerated, which means that it is trapped in place and cannot slip back into the abdomen. This causes bowel obstruction, which may require the removal of affected parts of the intestines ( bowel resection ) as well as hernia repair. If the herniated intestine becomes twisted, blood supply to the intestines may be cut off (intestinal ischemia) and the hernia is said to be strangulated, a condition causing severe pain and requiring immediate surgery.


Surgical procedures

In open inguinal hernia repair procedures, the patient is typically given a light general anesthesia of short duration. Local or regional anesthetics may be given to some patients. Open surgical repair of an indirect hernia begins with sterilizing and draping the inguinal area of the abdomen just above the thigh. An incision is made in the abdominal wall and fatty tissue removed to expose the inguinal canal and define the outer margins of the hole or weakness in the muscle. The weakened section of tissue is dissected (cut and removed) and the inguinal canal opening is sutured closed (primary closure), making sure that no abdominal organ tissue is within the sutured area. The exposed inguinal canal is examined for any other trouble spots that may need reinforcement. Closing the underlayers of tissue (subcutaneous tissue) with fine sutures and the outer skin with staples completes the procedure. A sterile dressing is then applied.

An open repair of a direct hernia begins just as the repair of an indirect hernia, with an incision made in the same location above the thigh, just large enough to allow visualization of the hernia. The surgeon will look for and palpate (touch) the bulging area of the hernia and will reduce it by placing sutures in the fat layer of the abdominal wall. The hernial sac itself will be closed, as in the repair of the indirect hernia, by using a series of sutures from one end of the weakened hernia defect to the other. The repair will be checked for sturdiness and for any tension on the new sutures. The subcutaneous tissue and skin will be closed and a sterile dressing applied.

Laparoscopic procedures are conducted using general anesthesia. The surgeon will make three tiny incisions in the abdominal wall of the groin area and inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide to expand the surgical area. A laparoscope, which is a tube-like fiber-optic instrument with a small video camera attached to its tip, will be inserted in one incision and surgical instruments inserted in the other incisions. The surgeon will view the movement of the instruments on a video monitor, as the hernia is pushed back into place and the hernial sac is repaired with surgical sutures or staples. Laparoscopic surgery is believed to produce less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery time. The risk of infection is also reduced because of the small incisions required in laparoscopic surgery.

The use of surgical (prosthetic) steel mesh or polypropylene mesh in the repair of inguinal hernias has been shown to help prevent recurrent hernias. Instead of the tension that develops between sutures and the skin in a conventionally repaired area, hernioplasty using mesh patches has been shown to virtually eliminate tension. The procedure is often performed in an outpatient facility with local anesthesia and patients can walk away the same day, with little restrictions in activity. Tension-free repair is also quick and easy to perform using the laparoscopic method, although general anesthesia is usually used. In either open or laparoscopic procedures, the mesh is placed so that it overlaps the healthy skin around the hernia opening and then is sutured into place with fine silk. Rather than pulling the hole closed as in conventional repair, the mesh makes a bridge over the hole and as normal healing take place, the mesh is incorporated into normal tissue without resulting tension.


Diagnosis/Preparation

Diagnosis

Reviewing the patient's symptoms and medical history are the first steps in diagnosing a hernia. The surgeon will ask when the patient first noticed a lump or bulge in the groin area, whether or not it has grown larger, and how much pain the patient is experiencing. The doctor will palpate the area, looking for any abnormal bulging or mass, and may ask the patient to cough or strain in order to see and feel the hernia more easily. This may be all that is needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. To confirm the presence of the hernia, an ultrasound examination may be performed. The ultrasound scan will allow the doctor to visualize the hernia and to make sure that the bulge is not another type of abdominal mass such as a tumor or enlarged lymph gland. It is not usually possible to determine whether the hernia is direct or indirect until surgery is performed.


Preparation

Patients will have standard preoperative blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram, and a chest x ray to make sure that the heart, lungs, and major organ systems are functioning well. A week or so before surgery, medications may be discontinued, especially aspirin or anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs. Starting the night before surgery, patients must not eat or drink anything. Once in the hospital, a tube may be placed into a vein in the arm (intravenous line) to deliver fluid and medication during surgery. A sedative may be given to relax the patient.


Aftercare

The hernia repair site must be kept clean and any sign of swelling or redness reported to the surgeon. Patients should also report a fever, and men should report any pain or swelling of the testicles. The surgeon may remove the outer sutures in a follow-up visit about a week after surgery. Activities may be limited to non-strenuous movement for up to two weeks, depending on the type of surgery performed and whether or not the surgery is the first hernia repair. To allow proper healing of muscle tissue, hernia repair patients should avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks after surgery. The postoperative activities of patients undergoing repeat procedures may be even more restricted.

Prevention of indirect hernias, which are congenital, is not possible. However, preventing direct hernias and reducing the risk of recurrence of direct and indirect hernias can be accomplished by:

Risks

Hernia surgery is considered to be a relatively safe procedure, although complication rates range from 1–26%, most in the 7–12% range. This means that about 10% of the 700,000 inguinal hernia repairs each year will have complications. Certain specialized clinics report markedly fewer complications, often related to whether open or laparoscopic technique is used. One of the greatest risks of inquinal hernia repair is that the hernia will recur. Unfortunately, 10–15% of hernias may develop again at the same site in adults, representing about 100,000 recurrences annually. The risk of recurrence in children is only about 1%. Recurrent hernias can present a serious problem because incarceration and strangulation are more likely and because additional surgical repair is more difficult than the first surgery. When the first hernia repair breaks down, the surgeon must work around scar tissue as well as the recurrent hernia. Incisional hernias, which are hernias that occur at the site of a prior surgery, present the same circumstance of combined scar tissue and hernia and even greater risk of recurrence. Each time a repair is performed, the surgery is less likely to be successful. Recurrence and infection rates for mesh repairs have been shown in some studies to be lower than with conventional surgeries.

Complications that can occur during surgery include injury to the spermatic cord structure; injuries to veins or arteries, causing hemorrhage; severing or entrapping nerves, which can cause paralysis; injuries to the bladder or bowel; reactions to anesthesia; and systemic complications such as cardiac arrythmias, cardiac arrest, or death. Postoperative complications include infection of the surgical incision (less in laparoscopy ); the formation of blood clots at the site that can travel to other parts of the body; pulmonary (lung) problems; and urinary retention or urinary tract infection.


Normal results

Inguinal hernia repair is usually effective, depending on the size of the hernia, how much time has gone by between its first appearance and the corrective surgery, and the underlying condition of the patient. Most first-time hernia repair procedures will be one-day surgeries, in which the patient will go home the same day or in 24 hours. Only the most challenging cases will require an overnight stay. Recovery times will vary, depending on the type of surgery performed. Patients undergoing open surgery will experience little discomfort and will resume normal activities within one to two weeks. Laparoscopy patients will be able to enjoy normal activities within one or two days, returning to a normal work routine and lifestyle within four to seven days, with the exception of heavy lifting and contact sports.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Mortality related to inguinal hernia repair or postoperative complications is unlikely, but with advanced age or severe underlying conditions, deaths do occur. Recurrence is a notable complication and is associated with increased morbidity, with recurrence rates for indirect hernias from less than 1–7% and 4–10% for direct.

Alternatives

If a hernia is not surgically repaired, an incarcerated or strangulated hernia can result, sometimes involving life-threatening bowel obstruction or ischemia.


Resources

books

Maddern, Guy J. Hernia Repair: Open vs. Laparoscopic approaches. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1997.


organizations

American College of Surgeons (ACS), Office of Public Information. 633 North Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611-3211. (312) 202-5000. http://www.facs.org .

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK). 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892-3570. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm .


other

"Focus on Men's Health: Hernia." MedicineNet Home Jan. 2003. http://www.medicinenet.com .

"Inguinal Hernia." Healthwise, Inc. February 2001. http://www.laurushealth.com/library. .


L. Lee Culvert

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


Inguinal hernia repair is performed in a hospital operating room or one-day surgical facility by a general surgeon who may specialize in hernia surgery.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR




User Contributions:

1
Dr T.A.Vasu M.S.
Recurrent Indirect Inguinal Hernia ia a major problem at least in this part of the country, namely Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. How to differentiate a missed sac from a recurrent sac or an incompletely excised sac is a major problem, both surgically and medicolegally. I have made the following criteria. If any one among the following is true, I generally considers it as a missed sac.
1. if the previous operation note, if available, says there is no indirect sac.
2. if the previous operation note is not mentioning anything abou an indirect sac.
3. if, during exploration the sac is a complete one.
4. if, the cord appears "virgin".
If the sac is thick at the summit, if it has fat along with it all along, or if the note says that the "indirect sac excised" then only I will consider it as a true recurrence.
Regarding the problem raised by Christine Gaubart, I wish to add that this is not an uncommon complication. This swelling is due to the cremasteric muscle getting contracted at the root of the scrotum when one has explored the cord for indirect sac.If the cremasteric muscle is excised in toto or carefully repaired over the cord this complication can be prevented.
2
Richard Lehman
i had inquinal hernia surgery on december 19th; 2005; it is now March 27th; 2006; i have hardly any sweeling; but have noticed pain that comes and goes; and this weekend has been a little worse; the doctor said i propably strained the area some; he had actually put in a double mesh; because of the heavy lifting i do; i was off for 5 weeks; he says it isn't anything to be concerned about; i see him on April 11th. has anyone else still had pain this long after surgery? he didn't do laprascopic surgery..
3
Maciej Sliwowski
The best,the most informsative article on the subject. Everything is explained clearly in simple terms. Wonderful preparation for the procedure that awaiting me.
Thanks.
4
Diane Van Aken
I have just had a femoral and inguinal hernia diagnosed and will be referred to a specialist to work out the next plan of action. This site has been more than informative I now have a clear expectation of what may lie ahead and why it happened.

Many thanks
Diane
5
Patricia Smith
Although this is very informative, can anyone answer the question - can a carcerated inguinal hernia be caused by a severe fall in an older woman?
6
alonso
very useful site and after dealing with this hernia for almost 20 years, it came back and scare me a bit. I must opt for surgery, as it is more painful now than 20 years ago.

Alonso
7
ross
this explaination gives me all the awareness. I'm more comfortable now since i can understand what is going on inside.
Thanks a lot for preparing this document so clearly.
8
Ntomchukwu
This has been a wonderful piece of well-gathered information. It not only helped allay my fear about Inguinal hernia but also gave me the courage to proceed to have an inguinal repair (herniorrhaphy) after almost a year of indecision as a result of insufficient information on the procedure and effects. I hope that a million others would benefit from this rich information.
9
tamer
no any comment but i wish to share with you obut any problem or disease we found it in the human body
10
mildred yu
im from the philippines and my husband is scheduled for inguinal hernia repair on thuesday july 25. I just want to ask if using a mesh is better than suturing only? the doctors says that its our decision or choice. his hernia is not serious its only in the beginning. hope you can help us before the surgery.
thanks, mildred yu
11
BEING MISDIAGNOSED
I HAVE A ??? ABOUT 10MONTHS AGO I WAS STRAINING HEAVELY WHILE LIFTING WEIGHTS ON A INCLINE BENCH PRESS. AFTER THAT I NOTICED I HAD THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING COMING FROM INSIDE MY PELVIC AREA AND FEELING NAUSEUASAS AS WELL.I COULD NOT PIN POINT THE AREA WHERE THE DISCOMFORT WAS COMING FROM, BUT AS THE WEEK PROGRESSED UNTIL NOW I STILL HAVE ALOT OF DIFFICULTIES WITH BOWEL MOVEMENTS SUCH AS IT TAKES VERY LONG 2 PASS(CONSTIPATION)MY BOWELS NEVER FEEL COMPLETELY EMPTY WHICH I FREQUENT THE TOILET ALOT, MY ABDOMEN ALWAYS GET DISTENDED EVERYDAY LOOKING LIKE I PREGNANT AND I GET ALOT OF TRAPPED GAS WHICH IS DIFFICULT 2 PASS. BEFORE ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING MY BOWELS WERE NORMAL. COULD IT BE THAT I HAVE A INTERNAL HERNIA SOMEWHERE WHICH CANT BE SEEN OF FELT???
12
Robert
High Praise for this Information.

This is a great piece of writing. It truly is. I have scoured the web for this information. This should be at the top of ALL hernia searches.

Nothing was missed. But it is rather a shock that so many people get hernias. I got a hernin lifting a heavy object. My hernis is small and I pop it back in. But it has changed my sex life. How can I have sex with a hernia? Nobody talks about this. When I take off my hernia belt to have a shower I have to press my belly to keep it in. I am very sad. But also this: If I continue to control it, keep thin, and take care of my body, MUST I still have a hernia operation?

THis is a great article. It really is!


Well, done.
13
Robert
High Praise for this Information.

This is a great piece of writing. It truly is. I have scoured the web for this information. This should be at the top of ALL hernia searches.

Nothing was missed. But it is rather a shock that so many people get hernias. I got a hernin lifting a heavy object. My hernis is small and I pop it back in. But it has changed my sex life. How can I have sex with a hernia? Nobody talks about this. When I take off my hernia belt to have a shower I have to press my belly to keep it in. I am very sad. But also this: If I continue to control it, keep thin, and take care of my body, MUST I still have a hernia operation?

THis is a great article. It really is!


Well, done.
14
Robert
Other comments.

I have learned that you should never sleep in your hernia belt. This is because the tight-belt pinches you back nerve when you lie down flat. And this is really worrying and super painful. But now I have told you, I think you can avoid it, although I am not a doctor. Also you have to wash your hernia belt every day or you begin to smell of urine, although you don't know it.

Also, sorry about my spelling.
15
chris
This has helped me about my Hernia, i had mine done in Jan2008 and it is worth it,no more wearing that silly truss and pushing it back into place when out with mates.my life is back to normal so if anybody is reading this and has not had theres done please go and have it done,
chris Addlestone Surrey
16
Erin Gugliuzza
This article really is informative, I am a Surg Tech. Student and one of my cases involved a Inguinal Hernia on a 12yr old boy. Im doing a case report on this particular patient. Is there any other relevant info. I could add to my report because of his age? Why do people acquire after haveing it congenital? This is something the surgeon didn't answer. He also noted that during the procedure, he did not have to implant mesh, it was minor and wanted to spare his spermatic cord, cause of his age, what does all this mean? His Indirect and direct Hernia repair was minor but involved allot of anesthesia. Young kids are very sensitive and they need allot of general before starting the bovie.
Curious,
Erin
17
rutchel margallo
i had a friend who have had his hernia operation, he is now 31 years old, he has been operated when he was just 2 or 3 years old, but now the problem is, he's having this painful cramps and pain on the same egg or scrotum which was affected during the operation, he already visited his doctor, and underwent few lab checks like ultrasound, xray, and other necessary lb exams and all the results was in its normal state, even his attending physician was confused, why he experiences pain, when all the lab exams are cleared and normal... i just would like to know why is this so... does this case normally do happens? what do you think is happening in him? pls. let me know your insight about this, my friend is afraid undergoing surgery again...what are some remedies on this? thaks in advance...
18
mikee
wow good read. I going for a hernia surgery tommorow lets see what happned. Kinda scared never had surgery before. :(
19
joe woods
well 1 had a hernia surgery when i was 10 and im 24 now and if anybody can get back to me if it affects the the chances of getting women pregnana or not i would greatly appreciate it my e-mail is jake_jeckle_6969@yahoo.com thank you
20
Sarah
Thank you for this information.

My 10 week old son is going to be having surgery to repair an indirect hernia in a few days, and needless to say, I'm a very nervous for him. Having information, and knowing what to expect helps out a little though.
21
mesfin
I WILL BE GOING THROUGH AN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGERY. BUT I AM AFRAID THAT AFTER THE SURGERY HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO MAKE LOVE. THE REASON I AM ASKING THIS QUESTION IS THAT I HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM MY WIFE FOR ALMOST 1YEAR AND 8 MONTHS AND NEVER HAVE SEX SINCE THEN. AND NOW I WILL HAVE 3 MONTHS TO SEE HER AFTER THE SURGERY. THE REASON I AM GOING BACK IS WE HAVE PLAN TO HAVE A BABY. SO DO I HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO RECOVER IF I GO THROUGH THE SURGERY OR DO I HAVE TO GO TO SEE MY WIFE AND AFTER THAT COULD I GO TO HAVE THE SURGERY?
22
vicky
i had my operation 2 months back .just want to know that when can i have sex ,when it is prefferable,does hernia affect the size of penis
23
rock
m going to have my operation ,i acctually want to ask same queation which vicky has asked,what abt sex life after operation ,Is it healthy,or does hernia has any thing to do with size
I had surgery on the left groin. When the doctor opened the hernia for repair he found a second hernia above the first one and it was larger than the first. He repaired the first and then repaired the second hernia note both on the same side. I have been out of work for 4 weeks and still have pain in the left testical and above the incision just below the stomach. I also have numbness below the incision about 5 inches and 7 inches across. Doctor put me off work 2 more weeks. Anyone have the same? And did the feeling come back in the numb area? If so how long did it take? This was a work related injury, should I receive a disablility rating because of the numbness?

Thanks all
Dear Doctors/Staff,

Antibiotics are given; does that mean probiotics (nutritional supplement) should be curtailed?

Yours,

Laurence
26
Belle
Hi

is it true that there is a possibility that after a hernia surgery, there is a less chance of having a baby?
Is it safe or ok to engage in intercourse if I have inguinal hernia and have surgery scheduled 2 weeks away?
28
janet
i have a friend im trying to help he had a right inguinal hernia surgery using 3 pieces of proline mesh 1 1/2 yrs ago after surgery 7 days later he complained to his surgeon and pcp that his penis would not retract from within his body other than for a erection than goes back within his body. his surgeon after 1 1/2 years (and no history of infections) balanitis/phismosis and performed a circunsision on him even though he informed him he had been circumsized at birth and had never had a problem with any enfections before/ surgery was performed and now hes left with a penis trapped inside his body he can feel an erection but his penis does not come out at all not to mention the fact he now has a penis of mayby 1 inch (this man before the first surgery was 8 inches) by the way the second surgery results were real bad he had to rip himself apart so he could urinate as for some reason the insision closed over the penis head/putting him once again in the operating room for yet another surgery to fix the disruption/but still no function of his penis at this point/ the dr says now this is beyond his expertease and refeered to a uriogist/hes a little knife shy at this point and im possitive a nother surgery is not going over 2 big with him/ and one more thing this man now can not stand to piuss like a man as he has nothing to guide he cant sit like a woman as he will hit the wall in front of him. he has to literaly lay accross the toilet seat to empty his bladder. my question and his can this be fixed/will he ever funtion/ an dnow this new surgeion says he may have to yet remove more skin/he has nothing left/and is he always going to be 1 inch sorry for sounding but he really wants to no he feels his life is over
29
Maggie
My son was born with Inguinal Hernias on both side. He had surgery over 3 weeks ago and I have concerns. He is still having the symptoms he had before surgery. Is this normal or is something wrong.
30
jul
i have hernia since i was a child... now i'm 23. it's in my left testicle and about the size larger than my fist. it's my biggest secret to my friends and workmates. i just keep it by myself. after reading all the comments, i envy you all you're back to normal living. me? i don't even know when or how to cure my hernia... i'm trying to be independent living alone. and as long as this hernia doesn't cause any pain to me physically, i guess i'll just keep it by myself til time come i could afford for the operation! :'(
tankx for dis informative colum,hw long does it take to make love after inguinal hernia repair?kinda scared but hope is nt gon be for long lol!
32
three
This is a good read 4 me.i underwent hernioplasty 2yrs back 4 congenital inguinal hernia.now i am pregnant is there any serious complication during the pregnancy period?.any possibilities to under go normal delivery process?any precautions to be followed during pregnancy.it ll b a great help 4 me if i know the answers.
33
ramu sinha
How much time taken hernia to completely remove.
I had hernia surgery before a week but there is something hard thing in my ball.
I'm very afraid. Pls tell me something pls pls pls
hi there,

The article is amazing...but as a human nature thing one is always more concerned about her or himself.

I had an indirect inguinal hernia repair due to swelled left testicle. Undergone, the surgery already, i was told by the surgeon that it would take 15 days for the swelling to be normal because of fluids to be passed out. Its been 2 months now (8 weeks) but the swelling hasnt gone. Though it has reduced but its not completly gone and i am having a little pain on the groin area again.

Require help for this.

Thanks
35
dr hilal
why hernioraphy or hernioplasty is not indicated in children?
36
SUJA
After undergoing inguinal hernia repair, the patient started to pass blood in the urine after 3-4 days of the surgery why so?
37
stuartburkhill
Very good article. I recently had bi lateral hernia surgery. I some how managed to slip down the stairs 4 or 5 days after surgery, mylegs went from under me and backside bounced on the steps, probably 4 or 5 steps, will I have caused any damage? Will the hernia have come back?
38
Anne
Hi Im 39yr old female, prior to surgery I was very fit and active. Im doing lots of reading but more so looking for information on strangulation of the small intestine. I recently had laproscopy surgery (small incision under my bellybutton) for a few womens issues endometriosis, cysts, polyps, removal of fallopian tubes) This surgery appeared to go well. Thank god I was still in hospital as the next morning I started to feel unwell with bad pain and called the nurse as my bellybutton was oozing, was red and the size of a golf ball, well that was the start of it as it was not my bellybutton it was actually my intestines! The rest is a blur but I do know there was about 20cm of small intestine that had pushed through the tiny laproscopy incision by the time I was rushed back to theatre. I was told this could of been fatal as the portion of intestine was deep colour and was at massive risk. I now have 10cm abdominal incision and today im 20 days post surgery. Im off pain meds, still walking slowly and have constant right side pain (haven't gone to toilet since yesterday morning...) Has anyone had this happen?? Im looking for information on recovery time, what food specifically to eat, can a strangulation reoccur or any other type of hernia?
39
harry
Its my 2 weeks already after my inguinal hernia surgery and my right testicle still swelling and hard,how long it will takes to become normal again...thank you.
40
jhon
Its my 2 weeks already after my inguinal hernia surgery and my right testicle still swelling and hard,how long it will takes to become normal again...thank you.
41
saiveer
now i had left ingunial hernia but its my exams time but i doctor suggested to surgery can i survive for few 20 days
42
chris
I just have a question because i undergone my operation last thurs
43
chris
I just have a question because i undergone my operation last thursday jan. 8,2015 i am confused because some of my co-patients have thier second time operation for hernia,and now i'm having a bit nervous if possible that it wîll back on my left since my right have done cured, hope you ànswer my doubt,tnx
44
Greg
I had hernia surgery on Jan.21/15 and all went well. However 2-3 days following a bulge developed behind the incision which delayed the removal of the staples. The doctor told me that it was bodily fluid build up and in time would be reabsorbed and flatten out. He left the staples in for 5 days longer because he thought that the mass might drain from the incision if the metal staples were removed too early. Is this normal? How do I know that the hernia has not reoccurred?
Question to anyone who knows the answer.. I had surgery for two bilateral inguinal hernias , is it safe after the two hernias being repaired to return back to a heavy-duty labor position at work???
46
Ray
I'm 65 years old had surgery.mesh @ several years ago ? I been lifting
under 50 lbs ok ? but I do more pulling and pushing during the time
I use my floor machine. getting it in to my van of course use a ramp ?
47
sudheer
can hernia back again after surgery if smoking is carry on?
48
gie
hi my husband is 47 years old undergo hernia surgery last october 2009 . i just confused if he can make pregnant .according to some folks there is no chance to have a baby, is this true? thanksGG
49
Viren
Which is Safer Operation for Inguinal Hernias? Laproscopy or Open Surgery?
50
carlin
WHAT AFFECT WHILE SMOKE, AFTER HERNIA SURGERY, IT WILL CAME BACK AGAIN?
I had already suffered twice from ingunial hernia in five years. I had doing the surgery right now. Which prevents should I take in future. Is it reoccurring in future years?
52
Nonye Gil
What could be d reaction of 4months baby after d Surgery
Pls I'll like to know why I'm having something like a ball in my scrotum,its very hard when I touch it with my hands,doesn't pain me though but I'm confused why its there,I had surgery some 5days ago,for the first two days I was passing out blood in my urine but now its becoming clearer,the doctor told me to drink more water.pls I just wish to know if the bulge in my scrotum is common this is the second hernia surgery I'm undergoing, had the first on my left when I was 7,now I'm 23 it occurred again on the right side,my mum said I was born with it,is it normal?
54
Gary
I just had Surgery on my left Inguinal Hernia with mesh repair is it normal to to have numbness there and numbness of the penis
55
Ben Dendy
My age 84 I had ingunial surgery about 35 years ago (no patch) I now have another on my right side. They will cut for the operation how long will my convelence period be.also can it be done by a local or epidural. I have much trouble being put to sleep. Any thing special I could expect.
56
Tracy dickson
My husband had a mesh put in after a hernia op and has never been able to have children could this be the cause?
I have had a Inguinal Hernia operation on the 1st of June 2017 at the age of 84, I have had the same operations on both sides in the year 2000.The problem is that this time after the operation my false skin had grown to a tremendous size, bit bigger than a golf ball and reddish, to relieve myself it is very difficult as the penis head wan't retract. I am writing this on the 6th. of June 2017. What could have caused this?
Thank You
58
mary ann barcelon
i have undergo hernioraphy mesh procedure last january 2014 and its been 3yrs.past already qnd now i feel the same pain again..is there tendency that my hernia will go back again? need some advice for me to avoid any risk regarding this matter
i had hernia surgeys at 11 months and 17 months old left and right sides done minor and major surgerys infant and child doctors told my mother that they took out a wedge from my right side what is a wedge and what did doctors remove from me at 17 months old i had the surgerys on 5/29/1954 and 11/5/1954 any advice would be very welcomed in this matter thanks gary lee clayton

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