Inguinal Hernia



Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

This leaflet tells you about the condition known as inguinal hernia. It explains what is involved in treating it and the common complications associated with this condition. It is not meant to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but as a guide to be used in connection to what is discussed with your doctor.

The Diagnosis

You have an inguinal hernia and your doctor has recommended an operation.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

A hernia is a condition where part of the intestine may bulge through a weak area in muscles in the tummy (abdomen). An Inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). Inguinal hernias are ten times more common in males than in females.

Inguinal hernias are quite common in male babies and children. They can also occur at any age in adult life.

People notice a lump in the groin, especially more prominent on standing. The lump usually disappears completely when lying down. There may be some discomfort in the groin, especially when the hernia first develops, or on straining the muscles of the tummy. If the lump does not disappear and is painful, urgent medical advice is needed.

People often notice hernias first after heavy work or lifting. Having a chronic cough (often due to smoking), straining to pass water or straining to pass motions may also cause a hernia to become obvious.

What is the treatment?

Generally, the best option is an operation which involves strengthening the weak muscles using a piece of plastic or mesh. Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery for inguinal hernia is often recommended for recurrence of a hernia of if there is a hernia on both sides. It can also be the method of choice for a first time repair of a hernia. It is usually less painful than an open repair. Laparoscopic repair requires a general anaesthetic and is often done as a day case. This can be discussed with the specialist.

In old or frail people a truss (support belt) may be tried. A truss does not cure a hernia, and is often awkward and uncomfortable to wear.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

All surgery carries risks of complication, no matter how small the surgery. In most cases complications are very few. There are general complications that can occur in any type of surgery. Here are some of the complications that can occur after a laparoscopic hernia repair:

• About 5% of people develop minor problems such as wound infection, bruising or swelling.

• Occasionally a fluid collection may need drainage by a needle.

• The chance of developing another hernia is less than 5%.

• There is a small chance of injury to the bowel or larger vessels with laparoscopic hernia repair.

• Rarely bowel obstruction may occur with laparoscopic hernia repair

• Pain lasting longer than 4 weeks is unusual but can occur in about 5% of cases. If pain is present it gradually improves over a period of months. Occasionally it is long lasting and will need other forms of treatment.

• Rarely infection can present years later.

• In males, less than 1% risk of the testis being injured from the repair

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Untreated, Inguinal hernias will increase in size. Some of the contents of the abdomen (usually a part of the bowel) may become trapped in the hernia. There is a risk of bowel obstruction, or even interruption of the blood supply to bowel in the hernia. If this happens, an emergency operation will be needed. Careful examination by a doctor is usually all that is needed to make a diagnosis of an inguinal hernia

What are the alternatives?

Surgery is the only way to have a hernia fixed. Different types of repairs are described but the commonest involves use of a plastic mesh.

What to expect after surgery

The operation area is sore usually for a few days after the operation. There will be three small scars on the tummy. The repair is usually strong from the outset but discomfort may produce some limitation. Virtually all people are back to normal at work and can resume sport within 3-4 weeks.

Driving usually is possible when there is minimal discomfort and you can use the emergency brake. This is expected within one week. Please check with your insurance company for any specific details.

Contact us by:

If you are going to have an operation you may be asked to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment. Please ask our staff any questions you may have about your treatment. Alternatively, you can phone the main hospital switchboard on 0121 424 2000 and ask to speak to your consultant’s secretary.

Our commitment to confidentiality

We keep personal and clinical information about you to ensure you receive appropriate care and treatment. Everyone working in the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.

We will share information with other parts of the NHS to support your healthcare needs, and we will inform your GP of your progress unless you ask us not to. If we need to share information that identifies you with other organisations we will ask for your consent. You can help us by pointing out any information in your records which is wrong or needs updating.

Additional Sources of Information:

Go online and view NHS Choices website for more information about a wide range of health topics

You may want to visit one of our Health Information Centres located in:

• Main Entrance at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital Tel: 0121 424 2280

• Treatment Centre at Good Hope Hospital Tel: 0121 424 9946

• Clinic Entrance Solihull Hospital Tel: 0121 424 5616

or contact us by email: healthinfo.centre@heartofengland.nhs.uk.

Dear Patient

We welcome your views on what you thought of this patient information leaflet, also any suggestions on how you feel we can improve through our feedback link below:

• Patient Information Feedback email: patientinformationleafletfeedback@heartofengland.nhs.uk

If you wish to make any other comments this can be done through the links listed below:

• Patient Opinion:     .uk

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Be helpful and respectful: think about what people might want to know about our patient information and this hospital and how your experiences might benefit others. Remember your words must be polite and respectful, and you cannot name individuals on the sites.

If you have any questions you may want to ask about your condition or your treatment or if there is anything you do not understand and you wish to know more about please write them down and your doctor will be more than happy to try and answer them for you.

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