Hernia Repair Inguinal Male

An inguinal hernia repair is an operation to put a hernia lump back into its correct place and, to strengthen your abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from reoccurring. 

It is normally performed if you have hernia pain or if serious complications occur such as obstruction (a bowel section gets stuck in the inguinal canal) or strangulation (a bowel section becomes trapped so that its blood supply is cut off). Strangulation requires emergency inguinal hernia repair surgery to restore the blood supply to your bowel.

Inguinal hernias, sometimes referred to as a groin hernia, are the most common type of hernia and mainly occur in men.

Symptoms can include:

• A lump in your groin or scrotum
• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
• Pain while lifting and disappears when you lie dow

There are two types of surgery performed for an inguinal hernia repair:

• Open inguinal hernia repair surgery – one cut is made over the hernia site to allow your surgeon to push the lump back into your abdomen. A surgical mesh is usually placed over the site of your hernia to strengthen the weakened area and prevent the hernia from reoccurring. The mesh is positioned under your skin, within the muscle, and becomes scarred into your tissues.
• Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery – several smaller cuts are made to allow your surgeon to insert a laparoscope (a tiny telescope attached to a video camera) and special instruments to repair the hernia. A mesh is inserted though one of these incisions and placed over the hernia in the groin.

Open inguinal hernia repair may be performed under local anaesthetic as opposed laparoscopic surgery which is normally performed under to general anaesthetic.

Your surgeon will discuss the type of surgery they recommend for your inguinal hernia.

Inguinal hernia repair surgery carries very few risks. Complications that may occur include: the hernia returning, a build-up of fluid or blood in the space where the hernia was, groin pain and, nerve damage. In men there is a rick of: testicle blood supply damage, vas deferens tube damage and, pain, swelling and bruising of the testicles or at the base of the penis.

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

An inguinal hernia repair surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment. 

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after surgery. 

Most people fully recovery from inguinal hernia repair surgery within six weeks. Often patients can return to light activities, driving and, work within two weeks.