INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR

A hernia is a weakness in the muscles of the front of the body wall. Usually, the bowel or some fat, and more rarely other organs, can push through this weak spot and create a bulge in the area. In your case the hernia is in the groin. Sometimes they are in both groins. They can be caused by the body wall being weak from birth. Sometimes the body wall weakens with the passing of time. Sometimes the body is overstrained by coughing, heavy work or sport etc. Hernias are very common and are easily treated. If left untreated, they get bigger and cause pain. More dangerously, the bowel can sometimes get trapped in the weak spot of the muscles. This can cause a blockage of the bowel, which can eventually cause it to become strangulated. An emergency operation is then required to deal with the problem.

The Operation

Most patients have a general anaesthetic so that they are asleep during the operation. A cut is made into the skin overlying the hernia. The bulge is pushed back or is cut off. The weak part is mended/closed and strengthened using strong stitches. The operation takes about 40 minutes.
If you have a hernia in each groin, they can usually both be mended at the same time. Keyhole surgery for hernia repair is only carried out in some specialised centres and for selective cases. It is carried out under general anaesthetic and there is no clear evidence at the moment that it offers a significant advantage compared to the traditionally performed operations.

How long do I have to be hospitalized?

The discomfort of the operation can make it difficult to pass urine and empty the bladder. You may need to stay in hospital for a day or two for observation.

Recovery and Recuperation

The wound may be closed with stitches or clips which need to be taken out 10 to 14 days after the operation.
At first discomfort in the wound will prevent you from harming yourself by lifting things that are too heavy. After one month you can lift as much as you used to lift before the operation. There is no value in attempting to speed the recovery of the wound by special exercises before the month is out. You can drive as soon as you can make an emergency stop without discomfort in the wound, i.e. after about 10 days. You may restart sexual relations within a week or two, when the wound is comfortable enough. You should be able to return to a light job after about two weeks, and any heavy job within four to six weeks.

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