A hernia occurs when tissue bulges out through an opening in the muscles. Any part of the abdominal wall can weaken and develop a hernia, but the most common sites are the groin (inguinal), the navel (umbilical) and a previous surgical incision site.
● A visible bulge in the scrotum or groin area, especially with coughing or straining.
● Pain or pressure at the hernia site.
Many patients become symptomatic after the first 1 to 2 years and crossover to surgery due to increased pain on exertion, chronic
constipation or urinary symptoms.
Benefits—An operation is the only way to repair a hernia. You can return to your normal activities and in most cases will not have further discomfort.
Return of the hernia; infection; injury to the bladder, blood vessels, intestines or nerves, difficulty passing urine, continued pain, and swelling of the testes or groin area.
Your hernia may cause pain and increase in size. If your intestine becomes trapped in the hernia pouch you will have sudden pain, vomiting, and need an immediate operation.
Evaluation may include blood work and urinalysis. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss your health history, home medications, and pain control options.
You will not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation. Most often you will take your normal medication with a sip of water. You will need someone to drive you home.
If you do not have complications you usually will go home the day after surgery.
You have severe pain, stomach cramping, chills, or a high fever (over 38.3°C), odour or increased drainage from your incision, or no bowel movements for 3 days.
An incision is made near the site and the hernia is repaired with mesh or by suturing (sewing) the muscle closed.
The hernia is repaired by mesh or sutures inserted through instruments placed into small incisions in the abdomen.
Watchful waiting is a safe and acceptable option for adults with inguinal hernias that are not uncomfortable
