Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle in your abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of your abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia.
An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structure within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).
Inguinal hernia surgery is the process of repairing the abdomen wall through a surgical procedure. Dr. Mark Magdy is an Australian surgeon, specialising in weight loss procedures and surgeries related to the digestive system. With an emphasis on delivering holistic health solutions, Dr. Mark Magdy regularly performs inguinal hernia surgery in Sydney to repair weaknesses in the abdominal wall.
Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle in your abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of your abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia.
An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall. A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structure within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).
Inguinal hernia surgery is the process of repairing the abdomen wall through a surgical procedure. Dr. Mark Magdy is an Australian surgeon, specialising in weight loss procedures and surgeries related to the digestive system. With an emphasis on delivering holistic health solutions, Dr. Mark Magdy regularly performs inguinal hernia surgery in Sydney to repair weaknesses in the abdominal wall.
Learn more about Inguinal Hernia Surgery
What does the operation involve?
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes (roughly an hour for a repair of both sides). Your surgeon will make three small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the procedure.
Your surgeon will return the part of the abdomen that is causing the hernia and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.
Inguinal Hernia Surgery Sydney – benefits
You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications that a hernia can cause.
How long does it take to recover from inguinal hernia surgery?
You should be able to go home the following day. You may return to normal activities when you feel comfortable to do so, usually after a week. You will need to avoid lifting heavy objects for the first 2-4 weeks.
There are no hard and fast rules for recovery times from inguinal hernia surgery. In some patients, it can take around three weeks to recover from inguinal hernia surgery and return to a normal routine. In other patients, the recovery time may be longer.
Your exact recovery time will depend on your unique circumstances and the precautions that you take in the days and weeks that follow your inguinal hernia surgery procedure.
Pain and general discomfort following surgery is normal. Be kind to yourself in the period following surgery by avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting, keeping the site clean and dry, and (above all) closely following the advice of your operating surgeon.
What is the main cause of an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias are typically caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. This weakness can be present from birth, or it may develop over time due to factors such as aging, chronic coughing, or over-straining during bowel movements. In some cases, an inguinal hernia can also be caused by an injury to the abdomen.
Post operative care tips for Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Dr. Mark Magdy will prescribe post-operative care tips for inguinal hernia surgery on a case-by-case basis that is determined by the health and medical background of the individual. Generally speaking, post-op care will include:
— Complete rest in the days following surgery
— Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks
— Taking a course of pain medication as prescribed
— Keeping your incision site dry and clean
— Wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding any pressure on the incision site
— Gradually re-introducing exercise to your lifestyle
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infection or swelling in the weeks following surgery. As mentioned, Dr. Mark Magdy will advise you on the most suitable post-op care procedure for your unique circumstances.
What complications can happen?
Specific complications of this operation:
— Developing a recurrent hernia.
— Injury to your bowel.
— Developing a collection of blood or fluid.
— Continued discomfort or pain in your groin.
— Discomfort or pain in your testicles on the side of the operation.
— Damage to the blood supply of your testicle.
— Scrotal or labial swelling after the procedure.
— Mesh-related complications including infection, migration, or shrinkage.
How long does the procedure take?
Inguinal hernia surgery takes around 1-3 hours to complete. The exact length of surgery will depend on your condition and can vary based on the nature of your situation. Prior to surgery, Dr. Mark Magdy will run you through what you can expect.
What happens if an inguinal hernia is left untreated?
When left untreated, an inguinal hernia can lead to a number of serious complications such as tissue protruding through the abdominal wall and becoming trapped. This can result in the blood supply being cut off and gangrene developing in the body. If you reach this stage, you may require additional surgery to remove the gangrene and halt the development of other hernias in the same area.
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, then it’s important to speak with a qualified specialist who can advise on treatment and next steps.
Do all inguinal hernias require surgery?
In most cases, inguinal hernias will require surgery. In rare cases, it is possible for inguinal hernias to resolve of their own volition, however, this is not common and is not an advisable or reliable way to treat your inguinal hernia.
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, get in touch to discuss your treatment options. By looking at your individual circumstances, we can determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Will I go under for the procedure?
Yes, laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
What are some warning signs of an inguinal hernia?
It can be difficult to detect inguinal hernias in their early stages. Some common warning signs that patients may experience include:
— Swelling in the groin area
— Pain or discomfort in the groin area
— Heavy feeling in the abdomen
— For men, dull ache in the testicles
— Bowel obstruction which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
It’s easy to go down a WebMD rabbit hole with your symptoms, so we strongly advise against it. If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs, seek urgent attention from a medical professional who can advise you on treatment.
Learn more about Inguinal Hernia Surgery
What does the operation involve?
The procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes (roughly an hour for a repair of both sides). Your surgeon will make three small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the procedure.
Your surgeon will return the part of the abdomen that is causing the hernia and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.
What complications can happen?
Specific complications of this operation:
— Developing a recurrent hernia.
— Injury to your bowel.
— Developing a collection of blood or fluid.
— Continued discomfort or pain in your groin.
— Discomfort or pain in your testicles on the side of the operation.
— Damage to the blood supply of your testicle.
— Scrotal or labial swelling after the procedure.
— Mesh-related complications including infection, migration, or shrinkage.
Inguinal Hernia Surgery Sydney – benefits
You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications that a hernia can cause.
How long does the procedure take?
Inguinal hernia surgery takes around 1-3 hours to complete. The exact length of surgery will depend on your condition and can vary based on the nature of your situation. Prior to surgery, Dr. Mark Magdy will run you through what you can expect.
How long does it take to recover from inguinal hernia surgery?
You should be able to go home the following day. You may return to normal activities when you feel comfortable to do so, usually after a week. You will need to avoid lifting heavy objects for the first 2-4 weeks.
There are no hard and fast rules for recovery times from inguinal hernia surgery. In some patients, it can take around three weeks to recover from inguinal hernia surgery and return to a normal routine. In other patients, the recovery time may be longer.
Your exact recovery time will depend on your unique circumstances and the precautions that you take in the days and weeks that follow your inguinal hernia surgery procedure.
Pain and general discomfort following surgery is normal. Be kind to yourself in the period following surgery by avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting, keeping the site clean and dry, and (above all) closely following the advice of your operating surgeon.
What happens if an inguinal hernia is left untreated?
When left untreated, an inguinal hernia can lead to a number of serious complications such as tissue protruding through the abdominal wall and becoming trapped. This can result in the blood supply being cut off and gangrene developing in the body. If you reach this stage, you may require additional surgery to remove the gangrene and halt the development of other hernias in the same area.
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, then it’s important to speak with a qualified specialist who can advise on treatment and next steps.
Do all inguinal hernias require surgery?
In most cases, inguinal hernias will require surgery. In rare cases, it is possible for inguinal hernias to resolve of their own volition, however, this is not common and is not an advisable or reliable way to treat your inguinal hernia.
If you have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, get in touch to discuss your treatment options. By looking at your individual circumstances, we can determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
What is the main cause of an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias are typically caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. This weakness can be present from birth, or it may develop over time due to factors such as aging, chronic coughing, or over-straining during bowel movements. In some cases, an inguinal hernia can also be caused by an injury to the abdomen.
Will I go under for the procedure?
Yes, laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Post operative care tips for Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Dr. Mark Magdy will prescribe post-operative care tips for inguinal hernia surgery on a case-by-case basis that is determined by the health and medical background of the individual. Generally speaking, post-op care will include:
— Complete rest in the days following surgery
— Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks
— Taking a course of pain medication as prescribed
— Keeping your incision site dry and clean
— Wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding any pressure on the incision site
— Gradually re-introducing exercise to your lifestyle
It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infection or swelling in the weeks following surgery. As mentioned, Dr. Mark Magdy will advise you on the most suitable post-op care procedure for your unique circumstances.
What are some warning signs of an inguinal hernia?
It can be difficult to detect inguinal hernias in their early stages. Some common warning signs that patients may experience include:
— Swelling in the groin area
— Pain or discomfort in the groin area
— Heavy feeling in the abdomen
— For men, dull ache in the testicles
— Bowel obstruction which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
It’s easy to go down a WebMD rabbit hole with your symptoms, so we strongly advise against it. If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs, seek urgent attention from a medical professional who can advise you on treatment.