What is this procedure?
The procedure involves repairing a weakness in your groin muscle.
Why would you need the operation (indication)?
If you have a hernia that can be detected by your regardless of whether
it gives you any symptom.
What symptoms would you experience with this problem?
Groin hernias may give you some discomfort. If may give you a lump in
the groin. Rarely does it give you a lot of pain unless there are things
that are trapped inside the hernia.
How do you know for sure that you have the condition therefore you
need this operation?
Your surgeon will examine you to confirm the presence of a hernia.
Regardless of what other tests eg. Ultrasound shows, if your surgeon
can?t feel a hernia he may not be happy to do the operation for you. He
will discuss with you other possible causes for your symptoms.
What scar will you have and what does the procedure involve?
Groin hernias can be performed with key hole surgery or surgery through
a 7cm incision in the groin. Key hole surgery involves three 1cm cut:
usually one near the belly button and 2 other below that. Surgery
through a 7cm cut will be located in your groin next to the pubic bone.
Both methods will most like require insertion of a mesh to strengthen the
muscle. The mesh stays with you for the rest of your life. It is not
absorbable. Not all patient are suitable for the key hole surgery. Discuss
with your surgeon the options available for you.
What anaesthetic will I have and do I have a choice?
A general anaesthetic is preferred unless you have other health issues.
What are the possible complications and what are the chances that they
occur?
There is <1% chance that your hernia may come back. A small number of
people may experience numbness or pain near the pubic bone after the
operation.
What to expect after the operation?
You will most likely be in hospital for 1 night. The reason for this is that
some people may experience difficulty passing water. Day case is
possible, discuss this with your surgeon.
Should I not be doing certain things after the operation?
You should not do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks otherwise you put
yourself at risk of the hernia coming back.
How long should I be off work?
Depending on the natures of your work, but 3-5 days is usually the time
you need prior to returning to clerical work. Discuss your circumstances
with the surgeon at the consultation.
When will I see my surgeon for review?
Your surgeon will see you within 2 weeks of the operation followed by
another appointment 6 weeks after that. This to ensure there are no
recurrence of the hernia.
Is there long term follow-up with my surgeon?
Usually no unless pain becomes an issue.