A hernia is a common condition among both men and women, although it is more prevalent in men, and even babies may have hernias when they are born. One of the most common or usual signs or symptoms of a hernia, especially inguinal hernia, is a bulge in the groin area or lower abdomen that may become bigger over time, although it is not usually painful. If you have an inguinal hernia, but it is giving you pain and discomfort, or you feel that it is best to have it removed and repaired, then you will have to undergo inguinal hernia surgery. The good news is, this type of surgery is quite common as well, and you can even have a less invasive procedure in the form of laparoscopic surgery. But what can you expect with inguinal hernia surgery? Here is your ultimate guide.
The procedure
Most inguinal hernia surgeries involve the use of a general anaesthetic which will put you to sleep, although some are performed with local anaesthesia where the area simply becomes numb while you stay awake throughout the procedure.
In order for surgeons such as an inguinal hernia surgery London expert from The London Surgical Group to repair an inguinal hernia, the protruding mass or tissue would have to be ‘pushed back’ inside the abdominal wall, and the abdominal wall weakness needs to be repaired as well. The repair can be supported with the use of a mesh patch that is stapled or stitched onto the muscle.
There are two kinds of surgeries for inguinal hernia repair, one of which is open surgery and the other referred to as laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery will involve a large single incision, while laparoscopic surgery will involve smaller cuts where instruments will be inserted, including a laparoscope, so the surgeon can see what needs to be repaired.
The risks
While inguinal hernia surgery is a common procedure and doesn’t carry as many risks as other types of surgery, some complications may still occur. These include bleeding as well as haematoma of the wound, an infection on the mesh or wound, scarring, seroma or fluid collecting between the muscle or mesh and the skin, or the recurrence of the inguinal hernia. Other complications include damage to the blood vessels of the testicular area, the retention of urine, or chronic pain. These are not very common, however, and other complications that are even less common include deep vein thrombosis, peritonitis or bowel injuries, and the need to return to hospital for more surgery.
How to prepare
Before you are scheduled for an operation, you will be given a pre-operative examination so the specialist and surgeon can assess how suitable you are for surgery, as confirmed by hernia surgery London experts like The London Surgical Group. At the examination, you will also be asked regarding your medical history as well as any existing medications you are taking, and you will also be asked for details regarding whatever arrangements you can make for home care after you have been discharged after the operation.
You will be presented with instructions for actual preparation, including taking a shower prior to going to the hospital, eating and drinking instructions, refraining from taking certain medication, and returning to your job after the inguinal hernia surgery.