Surgery is typically recommended for inguinal hernias that cause pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, or for those that become incarcerated or strangulated. An incarcerated hernia means the tissue is trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen, while a strangulated hernia occurs when the trapped tissue is cut off from its blood supply, which can be a medical emergency.

The two primary surgical techniques used for inguinal hernia repair are open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. Open repair involves making an incision near the hernia site, while laparoscopic repair is a minimally invasive surgery that involves inserting small instruments and a camera through several small incisions.

The duration of the surgery depends on several factors, including the type and complexity of the hernia, the surgical technique used, and the surgeon's expertise. On average, open hernia repair takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, while laparoscopic repair may take slightly longer.

Yes, most inguinal hernia surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious during the procedure. However, in some cases, local or regional anesthesia may be used.

Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the surgical technique used. In general, patients can expect to resume normal activities within a week after open hernia repair and may have a quicker recovery time with laparoscopic repair. However, it's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions for a safe and successful recovery.

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with inguinal hernia surgery. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, recurrence of the hernia, damage to surrounding structures, and chronic pain. However, the overall risk of complications is relatively low.

While hernia repair surgery aims to provide a long-term solution, there is a small chance of hernia recurrence. The risk varies depending on factors such as the surgical technique used, the size of the hernia, and individual patient characteristics. Our surgeon will provide you with appropriate post-operative instructions to help minimize the risk of recurrence.