Hernia repair
Inguinal (groin) hernia repair
The most common hernia — a swelling in the groin that appears on standing, coughing or lifting. Repaired laparoscopically wherever that is the safer route.
In plain language
What this operation is
An inguinal hernia is a gap in the muscle wall of the groin through which tissue from inside the abdomen pushes out. It shows as a bulge in the groin, sometimes extending into the scrotum in men.
The classic pattern is a swelling that appears when you stand, cough, strain or lift, and settles or can be pushed back when you lie down. There is often a dragging or aching feeling rather than sharp pain.
It is by far the most common hernia, and it is much more common in men. It does not close on its own and no medicine or belt repairs it — a belt may make it more comfortable, but the gap remains.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A groin swelling that appears on standing, coughing or lifting
- Dragging, aching or discomfort that interferes with work or daily activity
- A hernia that is gradually getting larger
- Hernias on both sides — one keyhole operation can address both
And when it is not. A very small hernia causing no symptoms at all is sometimes watched rather than repaired immediately, particularly where other health problems raise the risk of surgery. That is a decision made with you.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
-
01
Examination
Most inguinal hernias are diagnosed by examination alone. An ultrasound is used where the diagnosis is unclear.
-
02
Choosing the repair
Keyhole (TEP or TAPP) or open, depending on the hernia, whether both sides are involved and any previous surgery.
-
03
The operation
Under general anaesthesia. The contents are returned, and a mesh is placed to cover and reinforce the gap.
-
04
Afterwards
Guidance on lifting and activity, and a follow-up to check the repair.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Most people are walking the same day.
- Some bruising or swelling in the groin, and occasionally the scrotum, is common in the first days.
- Heavy lifting is restricted for a period specified at discharge, based on the repair actually done.
- Desk work is usually resumed sooner than physical work.
When to go to hospital instead
If the swelling becomes firm, very painful and will not push back in — especially with vomiting — that may be strangulation. Go to a hospital the same day.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 Can an inguinal hernia heal without surgery?
No. It is a physical gap in the muscle wall, and nothing closes it except a repair. A support belt may make it more comfortable but does not treat it.
Treatment02 Is keyhole better than open repair for a groin hernia?
Neither is automatically better. Keyhole often suits hernias on both sides and hernias that have come back after an open repair. Open repair may be safer for very large hernias or in an emergency. The choice is explained before booking.
Approach03 Will it come back after the operation?
It can, though mesh repair makes recurrence less likely. Following the lifting and activity guidance given at discharge is part of reducing that risk.
Recurrence04 কুঁচকিতে চাকা দেখা দিলে কী করব?
দাঁড়ালে বা কাশলে কুঁচকিতে ফোলা দেখা দিলে এবং শুয়ে পড়লে মিলিয়ে গেলে সেটি হার্নিয়া হতে পারে। ব্যথা না থাকলেও একজন সার্জনকে দেখানো ভালো। তবে চাকা শক্ত হয়ে গেলে, প্রচণ্ড ব্যথা হলে বা ভেতরে ঢুকতে না চাইলে দেরি না করে হাসপাতালে যান।
করণীয়Next step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.