Inguinal Hernia Procedure is generally recommended to treat all types of inguinal hernias in order to prevent complications, including strangulation, where an intestinal loop gets trapped tightly in a hernia, thereby cutting off the supply of blood to that section of the intestine.
If a hernia occurring in adults can be reduced or “pushed back,” surgery can be performed at the convenience of the patient. If such a hernia cannot be pushed back, surgery should be performed as soon as possible. However, surgery can be avoided if the size of the hernia is small or you do not demonstrate any symptoms. Consult your doctor immediately to conclude if you need Inguinal Hernia Procedure.
Inguinal hernias can be effectively repaired through surgery to push back the bulge back into its place and enhance the strength of the abdominal wall. The procedure is generally recommended if you are affected with a hernia that results in pain, complications, or severe, persistent symptoms.
Inguinal Hernia can cause the following Complications:
- Obstruction: where a part of the bowel gets stuck in the inguinal canal, thereby causing stomach ache, vomiting, nausea, or a painful lump originating in the groin
- Strangulation: where a part of the bowel gets trapped with a cut-off in its blood supply.
The procedure gets rid of the hernia, thus preventing serious complications; however, there is a chance that such hernias may return post operation.
How is the Surgery Performed?
There are two primary ways through which the procedure can be performed.
- Open Surgery: where a single cut is executed, allowing the surgeon to push back the lump into the abdomen
- Laparoscopic or Keyhole surgery: This technique is less invasive but more difficult to perform. Numerous smaller cuts are done, giving the surgeon the ability to utilise several specialised instruments for repairing the hernia.
Both methods have their share of pros and cons. In all probability, the type of surgery will depend upon which suits your body best as well as the experience of the surgeon.
You can return home on the same day of the surgery or the next day. It is crucial to follow the instructions given by your doctor so that adequate care is provided to your body. This includes eating wholesome, nutritious food to prevent constipation while simultaneously providing adequate care for the wound and avoiding strain.
A majority of patients suffering from inguinal hernia recover completely within six weeks. Some people return to work, driving, and less strenuous activities within two weeks.
Potential Risks of the Procedure
Inguinal Hernia Procedure is a routine surgery with minimal risks. That being said, nearly 10% of hernias return at some point in time post surgery. Approximately two to four percent of hernias return within 3 years. Other possible complications of inguinal hernia include:
- Buildup of fluid or blood in the space left behind by the hernia
- Painful swelling or bruising at the base of the penis or testicles (in men)
- Numbness and pain in the groin region that is caused by nerve damage or trapped nerves during surgery
- Damage to the supply of blood to the testicle
- Damage to Vas Deferens, which is a tube that is responsible for carrying sperm to the testicles.
We hope this overview threw more light on the procedure or surgery to treat inguinal hernia.