Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (male)

This webpage will give you information about an open inguinal hernia repair (for men). If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is an inguinal hernia?

Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle in the abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of the abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia (see figure 1).

Figure 1 - Hernia - bowel pushing through a weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen.

An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels supplying the testicle pass through the abdominal wall.

A hernia can be dangerous because the intestines or other structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent you from having any serious complications.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

You can sometimes control the hernia with a truss (padded support belt) or simply leave it alone. It will not go away without an operation.

What does the operation involve?

A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes about three quarters of an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut in your groin and remove the ‘hernial sac’.

They will strengthen the muscle layer with stitches and will usually insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots
Developing a lump
Difficulty passing urine

2 Specific complications

Injury to structures within the hernia
Temporary weakness of the leg
Persistent discomfort or pain in the groin
Injury to nerves
Damage to the blood supply of the testicle

How soon will I recover?

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

You should increase how much you walk around over the first few days.

You should be able to return to work after two to four weeks depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Summary

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can occasionally cause serious complications.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)

Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

The operation and treatment information on this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care UK. The intellectual property rights to the information belong exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.

You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial use.

The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.