Introduction

The image above shows the only scar left after a hernia operation. The photograph was taken on the day of surgery.

Weakness can develop in the abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of the abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia.

An inguinal hernia happens at the groin. Most patients present with a lump in the groin that can be painful, especially when lifting or exercising. 25% of men will develop hernias in their lifetime.

A hernia can be dangerous when it becomes stuck. It can strangulate its contents and cause major harm to patients though this is not that common. Mostly, a hernia will tend to grow with time and become more difficult to repair and increasingly become a nuisance, which may impact on the patients life.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Surgery is performed to correct the weakness of the abdominal wall. In most cases the surgeon would advise reinforcing the weakness in the wall with a mesh (gauze). You should no longer have the hernia after surgery. Surgery should prevent you from having any serious complications that a hernia can cause.
  

This image shows the only scar left by a gastrectomy. The photograph was taken on the day of surgery.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

You can sometimes control the hernia with a truss (padded support belt) or simply leave it alone. It will not go away without an operation but may get bigger.

What does the operation involve?

The surgeon may offer open surgery through a cut in the groin or offer keyhole surgery. Historically the best-reduced pain surgery would be through three keyholes to repair the hernia. The LESS Scar clinic offers a single small keyhole repair reducing the trauma of surgery to the patient. Its benefits are outlined here.

What complications can happen?

Single port Cholecystecomy after one month - the scar is very difficult to notice.

1. General complications of any operation

• Pain (55% of patients take pain killers for less than 1 day)
• Bleeding (4% Bruising)
• Infection in the surgical wound (minor 5% major<1%)
• Blood clots (<1%)

2. Specific complications of this operation

• Developing a lump (seroma 2%)
• Difficulty passing urine (8%)
• Damage to the blood supply of the testicle (<1%)
• Recurrence (<1%)

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

You are encouraged to exercise as pain allows and to return to work when you feel able. Our patients have returned to gyms the following day after surgery or played competitive sports within 2 weeks of surgery. 7% of our patients return to work within 2 days and 47% within the week.

You are able to drive once you are able to perform an emergency break and discussed it with your insurance company after 24 hours due to the general anaesthetic.