The Condition

In an inguinal hernia, abdominal fat or a loop of small intestine enters the inguinal canal, a tubular passage through the lower layers of the abdominal wall. A hernia occurs when part of an internal organ (usually the small intestine) protrudes through a weak point or tear in the peritoneum, the thin muscular wall holding the abdominal organs in place resulting in a bulge. In men, inguinal hernias typically develop in the groin area near the scrotum, on one or both (double hernia) sides.  

Signs and Symptoms

• A small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down; in males, it can present as a swollen or enlarged scrotum
• Discomfort or sharp pain-especially when straining, lifting, or exercising-that improves when resting
• A feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin
• A burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge

Surgical Treatment

In open surgery: 

• Your surgeon makes a cut near the hernia.
• The hernia is located and separated from the tissues around it. The hernia sac is removed or the hernia is gently pushed back into your abdomen.
• The surgeon then closes your weakened abdominal muscles with stitches.
• Often a piece of mesh is also sewn into place to strengthen your abdominal wall. This repairs the weakness in the wall of your abdomen.
• At the end of the repair, the cut is stitched closed.

In laparoscopic surgery: 

• The surgeon makes three to five small cuts in your lower belly.
• A medical device called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the cuts. The scope is a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end. It lets the surgeon see inside your belly.
• A harmless gas is pumped into your belly to expand the space. This gives the surgeon more room to see and work.
• Other tools are inserted through the other cuts. The surgeon uses these tools to repair the hernia.
• The same repair will be done as the repair in open surgery.
• At the end of the repair, the scope and other tools are removed. The cuts are stitched closed.

Before the Procedure

Tell your surgeon if:

• You are or could be pregnant
• You are taking any medicines, including drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription

During the week before your surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking blood thinning medicines. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), naprosyn (Aleve, Naproxen), and others.
• Ask your surgeon which drugs you should still take on the day of surgery.

On the day of surgery:

• Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
• Take the medicines your surgeon told you to take with a small sip of water.
• Arrive at the hospital on time.

After the Procedure

Most people are able to get out of bed an hour or so after this surgery. Most can go home the same day, but some may need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Some men may have problems passing urine after hernia surgery. If you have problems urinating, you may need a catheter. This is a thin flexible tube that is inserted into your bladder for a short time to drain urine.

Following instructions about how active you can be while recovering. This may include:

• Returning to light activities soon after going home, but avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks.
• Avoiding activities that can increase pressure in the groin and belly. Move slowly from a lying to a seated position.
• Avoiding sneezing or coughing forcefully.
• Drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fiber to prevent constipation.

Follow any other self-care instructions to help speed your recovery.

What to Expect at Home After hernia repair:

• If there are stitches on the skin, they will need to be removed at a follow-up visit with the surgeon. If stitches under the skin were used, they will dissolve on their own.
• The incision is covered with a bandage. Or, it is covered with a liquid adhesive (skin glue).
• You may have pain, soreness, and stiffness at first, especially when moving about. This is normal.
• You will also feel tired after surgery. This can last for a few weeks.
• You will most likely return to normal activities in just a few weeks.
• Men may have swelling and pain in their testicles.
• There may be some bruising around the groin and testicular area.
• You may have trouble passing urine for the first few days.

Make sure gets plenty of rest the first 2 to 3 days after going home. Ask family and friends for help with daily activities while your movements are limited.

Diet During Recovery

Pain medicines can cause constipation. Eating some high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water can help keep the bowels moving. Use over the counter fiber products if constipation does not improve.

Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If this happens, try eating yogurt with live cultures or taking psyllium (Metamucil). Call the surgeon if the diarrhea does not get better.

When to Call the Doctor

• Severe pain or soreness
• A lot of bleeding from your incision
• Difficulty breathing
• Light headedness that does not go away after a few days
• Chills, or fever of 101°F (38.3°C), or higher
• Warmth, or redness at the incision site
• Trouble urinating
• Swelling or pain in the testicles that is getting worse

 

*We provide procedure education for prospective patients and those who educate them. It is not intended to take the place of a discussion with a qualified surgeon who is familiar with your situation. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard.