Inguinal hernia repair surgery in healthy men • hello

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Definition

What is an inguinal hernia?

Parts of the muscle lining of the abdominal wall can become weak, causing the contents of the stomach to squeeze out. This causes a lump called a hernia to form. Inguinal hernias occur in the inguinal canal, which is a narrow channel through which blood vessels pass through the abdominal wall. Hernias can be dangerous because the intestines or other structures in the stomach can become trapped and blood flow stops (strangulated hernia).

What are the benefits of having an inguinal hernia repair surgery?

You no longer have a hernia. Surgery can prevent serious complications that can be caused by a hernia.

When do I need to undergo inguinal hernia repair surgery?

Surgery is recommended for inguinal hernias that are causing pain or other symptoms, and also for incarcerated or strangulated hernias. Surgery is also recommended for inguinal hernias in children. Infants and children usually have open surgery to treat inguinal hernias.

Precautions & warnings

What do I need to know before undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery?

Inguinal hernials can be treated with keyhole surgery. You can control the hernia with a truss (belt support) or leave it alone. Hernia will not improve without surgery.

Process

What should I do before undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery?

Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, allergies, or other health conditions before having surgery. Arrange an appointment with an anesthetist to plan your anesthesia process. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery.

You will be given preoperative instructions, such as whether you are allowed to eat before the operation. Usually, you are required to fast 6 hours before the procedure. You are allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, up to several hours before the operation.

What is the process of inguinal hernia repair surgery?

There are several choices of anesthetic technique. The operation usually takes about 45 minutes. The surgeon will make an incision in the groin and remove the 'hernia sac'. The muscle layer will be strengthened with sutures, usually synthetic tissue will be attached to the weak area, and the incision is closed again.

What should I do after undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery?

You are allowed to go home the same day. Take more steps by walking for several days. You can return to your activities after 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your level of surgery and type of activity. Exercising can help you get back to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Adults and children who undergo hernia surgery can have the risk of:

• reaction to anesthesia (the main risk)
• infection and bleeding at the surgery site.
• nerve damage, numbness of the skin, lack of blood supply to the scrotum or testicles, causing testicular atrophy (rare)
• damage to the tissue such as the wires that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis (vas deferens), leading to difficulty having children
• damage to the femoral artery or vein

You can minimize the risk of complications by following the doctor's instructions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping certain medications.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.