An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles in the groin area. This can cause a noticeable bulge and discomfort, especially when lifting heavy objects or straining.

Inguinal hernias are typically repaired surgically. Two common surgical approaches are the open Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with mesh.

Open Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair involves making an incision directly over the hernia site, pushing the bulging tissue back into place, and reinforcing the weakened area with a mesh patch. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, on the other hand, involves making several small incisions and uses a camera and specialized instruments to place the mesh from the inside of the abdominal cavity.

Open inguinal hernia repair allows the surgeon to directly access the hernia site, providing excellent visualization and control during the procedure. It is often preferred for larger hernias or in patients with certain medical conditions that may make laparoscopic surgery unsafe for the patient.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair offers several potential benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, faster recovery, and less risk of wound complications such as infection. The use of mesh in both open and laparoscopic repair helps strengthen the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.

Mesh is used in inguinal hernia repair to provide additional support to the weakened abdominal wall and reduce the risk of recurrence. It acts as a scaffold for tissue growth, promoting the formation of scar tissue that strengthens the repair and helps prevent the hernia from coming back. Surgery without mesh is not currently recommended by most experts, as the hernia can come back at a much higher rate. Please see updated International Guidelines of the HerniaSurge Group*.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with inguinal hernia repair surgery, including infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures such as blood vessels or nerves. However, the overall complication rate is low, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon.

we use a specific nerve block to numb the nerves near your skin incisions so that you will have less pain over the 1st 24 hours. This will lower the total amount of narcotic medication you need to take, lowering your potential side effects and getting you back to work faster. Please book an appointment with us today to learn more!