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Understanding Groin Hernia Operation

The groin hernia operation is also known as inguinal hernia repair. It is a procedure to correct hernias that occur in the groin area. A hernia develops when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge that can lead to pain or other issues. This operation aims to relieve discomfort and prevent potential complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.

Your doctor may recommend groin hernia surgery if you experience pain, swelling, or restricted movement due to the hernia or if the hernia size increases over time. For many, surgery can restore comfort, improve quality of life, and prevent future hernia-related issues.

Groin Hernia Operation Treats:

Check IconIndividuals with painful or symptomatic hernias.
Check IconPatients with an enlarged hernia.
Check Icon Reducing the risk of complications, like bowel obstruction.

Understanding Groin Hernia Operation

The groin hernia operation is also known as inguinal hernia repair. It is a procedure to correct hernias that occur in the groin area. A hernia develops when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge that can lead to pain or other issues. This operation aims to relieve discomfort and prevent potential complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation.

Your doctor may recommend groin hernia surgery if you experience pain, swelling, or restricted movement due to the hernia or if the hernia size increases over time. For many, surgery can restore comfort, improve quality of life, and prevent future hernia-related issues.

Groin Hernia Operation Treats:

Check Icon Individuals with painful or symptomatic

hernias.
Check Icon Patients with an enlarged hernia.
Check IconReducing the risk of complications, like

bowel obstruction.

How Does the Groin Hernia Operation Work?

During groin hernia surgery, the surgeon repairs the weakened area of the abdominal wall. This can be done through traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique.

groin hernia

Open Surgery

Open hernia repair surgery can be performed using general, spinal (epidural), or local anaesthesia. In this procedure, the surgeon makes a single incision, typically around 10 cm long, to access and repair the affected muscle. Open surgery is often recommended if a faster scheduling option is preferred, as the waiting time for this method can be shorter. This approach may be advised in cases where the hernia is large if there has been prior abdominal surgery, or if previous keyhole surgery was used to repair an inguinal hernia. Additionally, open surgery is typically recommended if local or spinal anaesthesia is preferred or if the repair is needed urgently.

Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Surgery

Keyhole or laparoscopic hernia surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia. During this procedure, the surgeon makes three small incisions in the abdomen, each about 1-2 cm long. A thin tube with a camera (called a laparoscope) is then inserted, providing a view of the groin area. Using specialised instruments, the surgeon carefully pushes the hernia back into place, securing the area with a mesh patch, and closes the incisions with stitches. This minimally invasive method is often suitable for smaller hernias, hernias on both sides, patients who previously had open surgery to repair a hernia, those experiencing significant pain, or individuals with a highly active lifestyle.

Treatment At a Glance

Purpose

Purpose

Repair weakened abdominal muscles
Procedure Duration

Procedure Duration

45 Minutes
Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic

Purpose

Repair weakened abdominal muscles

Pain

Mild to moderate

Procedure Duration

45 Minutes

Recovery Time

6 Weeks

Drive

After 1 week

Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

6 Weeks
Pain

Pain

Mild to moderate
Drive

Drive

After 1 week

Benefits of Groin Hernia Operation

Pain Relief

Surgery targets the root cause of hernia pain, offering immediate relief and preventing further discomfort, allowing you to enjoy activities without interruption from hernia-related symptoms.

Faster Recovery and Minimal Scarring

With laparoscopic techniques, recovery is quicker, and the small incisions leave minimal scarring, helping patients return to their normal routines sooner and with less visible impact.

Reduced Risk of Complications

Repairing the hernia lessens the risk of serious issues like strangulation or bowel obstruction, ensuring long-term health and minimising the need for emergency interventions in the future.

Minimally Invasive Options

With laparoscopic techniques, groin hernia surgery can be performed through small incisions, reducing recovery time, minimising pain, and allowing patients to return to daily activities more quickly.

Enhanced Muscle Strength

The use of mesh in the repair strengthens weakened muscles in the groin, helping prevent future hernias and allowing for greater stability and support in the area.

Improved Quality of Life

A successful hernia repair allows patients to move freely and comfortably, restoring confidence and comfort in daily activities and enhancing overall well-being.

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Cost of Groin Hernia Operation

Consultations start at £200. Please request a callback by filling out the contact form. We look forward to assisting you!

Why Choose Leicester Bowel Clinic?

At Leicester Bowel Clinic, we focus on bowel health and conditions, digestive issues, and cancer care. Our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures for bowel problems, ensuring effective results and patient comfort. We aim to provide personalised care for our patients and offer the latest treatments for hernias, bowel conditions and rectal disorders.

Our Locations

Leicester Bowel Clinic at Spire Hospital

  • Wednesdays evenings (Mr Runau) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at: Spire Leicester Hospital Gartree Road Leicester LE2 2FF
  • To arrange an appointment directly with the Spire Leicester Hospital, please call the booking line on 0116 2653685

*Free on-site parking is available.

Meet The Team

Sanjay Chaudhri

Mr Sanjay Chaudhri

Francois Runau

Mr Francois Runau

Pippa Powley

Pippa Powley

Rebecca West

Rebecca West

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Groin Hernia Operation

01. What's better for hernia surgery: open or laparoscopic?

Laparoscopic surgery is quicker and allows for faster recovery, but it’s more complex and not as commonly available as open surgery. It offers better results in terms of the strength of the repair and less pain afterwards.

02. How long does it take to recover from robotic hernia surgery?

Recovery time can vary based on how complicated the repair was. Some patients may have no activity restrictions after the procedure, while others might need to limit their activities for two to four weeks, depending on the surgeon’s advice.

03. Which hernia is considered more serious?

Inguinal hernias can be risky because they can grow larger and cause your intestine to get trapped, which can stop its blood supply. This condition, known as a strangulated inguinal hernia, often requires surgery to fix.

04. When is surgery needed for a hernia?

Most doctors agree that small hiatal hernias (under 5 cm) typically don’t require surgery. Even larger hiatal hernias around 7 cm may not need surgery if they aren’t causing any bothersome symptoms.

05. How long does laparoscopic hernia surgery take?

The surgery usually lasts about 30 minutes or less than an hour if both sides are being repaired. It’s done under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes a small cut near the belly button to inflate the abdomen with gas.

06. Is hernia surgery considered major surgery?

Hernia surgery can be seen as either major or minor, depending on whether it’s done using open surgery or a minimally invasive technique. Both methods aim to reposition the tissue and may involve placing a mesh for support.

07. How serious is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia isn’t always dangerous, but it doesn’t resolve on its own and can lead to serious complications. Doctors often recommend surgery if the hernia is painful or getting larger. Repairing an inguinal hernia is a common surgery.

08. Are there foods that can help reduce a hernia?

Foods that may help include non-citrus fruits like apples and pears, fresh vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, lean proteins, low-fat yoghurt, probiotic foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, and honey.

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Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and the best treatment options for you. For more information about the treatments, book a consultation and contact our Leicester clinic.