Surgery Overview

• Surgery Overview
• Why It Is Done
• How It Works
• Risks
• What To Think

For open hernia repair surgery, an incision is made in the groin. If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall (a direct hernia), the bulge is pushed back into place. If the hernia is going down the inguinal canal (indirect), the hernia sac is tied off and removed or pushed back.

• The weak spot in the muscle wall—where the hernia bulges through—traditionally has been repaired by sewing the edges of healthy muscle tissue together (herniorrhaphy).
• This is appropriate for smaller hernias that have been present since birth (indirect hernias) and for healthy tissues, where it is possible to use stitches without adding stress on the tissue. However, the surgical approach varies depending on the area of muscle wall to be repaired and the surgeon's preference.
• Mesh patches of synthetic material (Gore-Tex, Teflon, Dacron, Marlex, or Prolene) are now being widely used to repair hernias (hernioplasty). This is especially true for hernias that recur and for large hernias. Patches are sewn over the weakened area in the abdominal wall after the hernia is pushed back into place. The patch decreases the tension on the weakened abdominal wall, reducing the risk a hernia will recur.
• Hospitalization for inguinal hernia repair
• Anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair

What To Expect After Surgery

For adults, open surgery for hernia repair usually involves a recovery period of up to 4 weeks before you can resume normal strenuous activities. However, this varies depending upon the individual.