Common Conditions

Inguinal Hernia: Open Repair - Operation

Overview | Open Repair | Laparoscopic Repair

• Open Repair:
  • Overview
  • Pre-Operation
  • Operation
  • Post-Operation
  • Back at Home

Open Repair Operative

The anaesthetic is given through a needle in the back of your hand and you will fall asleep within seconds. An intravenous antibiotic is given to reduce the risk of wound infection, the inguinal area is cleaned with an antiseptic and the site draped with sterile towels. A cut is made into the skin overlying the hernia. The hernia is repaired and the wall of the inguinal canal strengthened. This used to be done by forming a nylon darn over the weakest part of the inguinal canal, but most surgeons, including myself, now prefer to use a pre-formed nylon mesh. The mesh technique is less painful, provides more uniform results and lower recurrence rates.

The cut in the skin is then closed up. My preference is to use 'dissolvable' sutures which are absorbed by the body over a period of a few weeks and therefore do not have to be removed. The entire area is treated with a long acting local anaesthetic which provides excellent pain relief for the first few hours.