General & laparoscopic
Hernia repair
Repair of a weak point in the abdominal wall through which tissue has pushed. Hernias do not heal on their own. Repair may be performed as keyhole or open surgery depending on the hernia and your surgical history.
Who it is for
- A hernia causing symptoms
- A hernia where there is a meaningful risk of complications
- Small, symptom-free hernias are sometimes monitored instead
What to expect
The approach, keyhole or open, depends on the type and position of the hernia, previous surgery and your anatomy.
Sudden severe pain in a hernia that will no longer reduce is an emergency and needs immediate assessment, not an outpatient appointment.
Recovery
Varies by hernia type and approach. Heavy lifting is typically avoided for several weeks, and your surgeon will give you a specific timeframe.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk, and the list below is general rather than complete. Which of these matter for you depends on your health, your anatomy and what is being treated, which is what the consent conversation before surgery is for.
- Bleeding, bruising, and wound or mesh infection
- Chronic groin or abdominal pain in a minority of people, which can be difficult to treat
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Injury to nearby nerves, causing numbness or burning
- In men, injury to the vessels supplying the testis, which is rare
No surgeon can promise a particular result, and nothing on this page should be read as one.
Still not sure whether it needs looking at?
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