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Inguinal hernia repair
OPEN OR LARPAROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR A HERNIA IN THE GROIN
Inguinal hernia surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a hernia and strengthen the supporting abdominal muscles. This can be a primary hernia, or a recurrent hernia.
About inguinal hernia repair
A groin-area hernia is the most common type of hernia. It's caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, which allows the contents of your abdomen to push through the muscle, producing a lump called a hernia.
If left untreated, a hernia will not heal on its own and can cause serious complications.
Types of inguinal hernia
Open primary inguinal hernia repair (one side)
Open surgery is also a common procedure for a primary inguinal hernia on one side. Your surgeon will make a single 6-8cm cut over your hernia to remove the hernial sac, repair the tissue and reinforce the muscles to help prevent recurrent hernias.
Open primary inguinal hernia repair (both sides)
If you have a hernia on both sides of your groin (bilateral) your surgeon can repair them through two 6-8cm cuts on either side of your abdomen. Depending on the size and complexity of your hernias, an open procedure may be the best option for you.
Laparoscopic primary inguinal hernia repair (one side)
Keyhole surgery can sometimes be used for a single groin hernia on one side. Two to four small cuts are made to allow your surgeon to make repairs using tiny instruments, guided by a special camera. Keyhole surgery often leads to faster recovery time.
Laparoscopic primary inguinal hernia repair (both sides)
Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery for a bilateral hernia is a minimally invasive procedure, done through tiny cuts on either side of your abdomen made with small surgical instruments and a special camera (laparoscope) to guide your surgeon throughout the procedure.
Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia (one side)
If you have a hernia that has come back following an earlier procedure (recurrent hernia), it may be possible to repair it laparoscopically. Your surgeon will make a few very small cuts on your abdomen to repair the hernia and reinforce the muscles with surgical mesh.
Open repair of recurrent inguinal hernia (one side)
Recurrent hernias are often repaired with an open procedure. Your surgeon will generally make a cut following the line of your original scar to repair the hernia and put a mesh in place to help prevent it from coming back again.
Need to know
Inguinal hernia repair may be done under local anaesthetic, or a general anaesthetic. The procedure can be done as a laparoscopic (keyhole) or open procedure. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for you.
Both procedures allow your surgeon to return the protruding tissue of the hernia back into your abdomen. They may use strong stitches or a mesh to reinforce any weak spot in your muscles to help prevent the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will then close the cut with dissolvable stitches.
Both procedures allow your surgeon to return the protruding tissue of the hernia back into your abdomen. They may use strong stitches or a mesh to reinforce any weak spot in your muscles to help prevent the hernia coming back. Your surgeon will then close the cut with dissolvable stitches.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking before surgery.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You should be able to return home the same day as your surgery. You might have some swelling or bruising in the area for a couple of weeks, but this should improve over time.
It can take up to six weeks to make a full recovery from inguinal hernia surgery. It's important to avoid any heavy lifting during this time. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
It can take up to six weeks to make a full recovery from inguinal hernia surgery. It's important to avoid any heavy lifting during this time. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
Our Inguinal hernia repair locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
41 Welbeck Street
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.