What is inguinal hernia repair?
Inguinal hernia repair is a type of surgery. An inguinal hernia is a bulge under the skin in your groin. It happens when there is a weak spot in the groin muscle and a piece of the intestines or tissue pokes through the muscle. This can be painful.
You may have pain when you're active. Or it may be painful when you strain during a bowel movement or lift something heavy.
Surgery can help with your pain. It can also prevent serious problems that can happen if an organ or tissue gets stuck in the hernia.
There are two ways to do this surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one cut near the hernia. This cut is called an incision. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several very small incisions and uses a thin, lighted scope and small tools.
During surgery, the doctor pushes the bulge back in place. The doctor may place a piece of mesh on top of the bulge to help keep it in place. Then the healthy tissue is sewn back together.
Laparoscopic surgery leaves several small scars. Open surgery leaves one long scar. The scars fade with time.
After the surgery, you can probably return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks. How long it takes will depend on the type of surgery.
How do you prepare for surgery?
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for surgery
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance care plan. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter P932 in the search box to learn more about "Inguinal Hernia Repair: Before Your Surgery".