Hernia repair (inguinal)

Category: General & Abdominal Surgery · All general & abdominal surgery

What it is

An inguinal hernia repair pushes the bulge in the groin back into place and strengthens the weakened abdominal wall, usually with a mesh patch. It can be done as open surgery or keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery.

Why it is done

Repair is advised for hernias that cause pain or limit activity, and to prevent the uncommon but serious complication of the hernia becoming trapped (incarcerated) or strangulated. Some painless hernias can safely be watched instead — your surgeon will discuss which applies to you.

How to prepare

You will have a pre-operative assessment, fast for several hours, and review blood-thinning medicines. Most repairs are day-case procedures. Tell the team about allergies, especially to mesh or anaesthetic agents if known.

What happens during the procedure

Under general, spinal or occasionally local anaesthetic, the hernia is returned to the abdomen and mesh is fixed over the weak area. Open repair uses one cut in the groin; keyhole uses several small cuts. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Most people go home the same day. Groin discomfort and bruising for one to two weeks are normal; build up activity gradually, avoid heavy lifting early on as advised, and keep bowels soft to avoid straining. Seek help for increasing pain, swelling, redness or fever.

Risks & considerations

Risks include bruising or a blood collection, infection, recurrence of the hernia, injury to structures in the cord or bladder, and ongoing groin pain in a minority of people. Keyhole surgery adds the small risks of operating inside the abdomen. Your surgeon will discuss the approach best for you.

Watch: Hernia repair (inguinal) videos

Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.

▶ Watch3d animation of hernia repair open procedure for abdominal hernia shortsWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchClinical surgery dr ali hassib clinical revision 2 inguinal hernia scrotal swelling abdomenWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchDirect inguinal hernia repair surgeryWatch on MedicalVideos.com

Related guides on MedicalVideos.com

Condition guide: hernia

Frequently asked questions

Is mesh safe?

Mesh has been used for decades and reduces recurrence compared with stitches alone. It carries small risks of infection or chronic discomfort, which your surgeon will balance for your case; non-mesh options exist in some situations.

When can I lift things again?

Light activity straight away is encouraged; heavy lifting is usually avoided for a few weeks. Follow your surgeon's specific advice, as it varies with technique and job.

Related procedures — General & Abdominal Surgery

Adrenalectomy Appendicectomy (appendix removal)Bariatric surgery (gastric bypass / sleeve gastrectomy)Carpal tunnel release Colectomy (bowel resection)Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)

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Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.