Hernia Surgery – Expert Repair for Groin Hernias at Minnerva Clinic

Groin hernias are the most common type of hernia:

• Inguinal Hernia: Occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine or fatty tissue, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles in the groin area, specifically through the inguinal canal. This is the most common type, especially in men.
  • Indirect Inguinal Hernia: Results from a natural weakness in the internal inguinal ring.
  • Direct Inguinal Hernia: Occurs due to weakness in the floor of the inguinal canal, often acquired over time.
• Femoral Hernia: Less common, occurring when tissue protrudes through the femoral canal, an opening near the groin crease just below the inguinal ligament. More common in women. Femoral hernias have a higher risk of becoming irreducible (stuck) or strangulated.

Causes and risk factors for groin hernias include:

• Congenital weakness in the abdominal wall.
• Increased intra-abdominal pressure (from chronic coughing, straining during bowel movements or urination, heavy lifting).
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Previous abdominal surgery.
• Family history of hernias.

Symptoms can include:

• A visible bulge or lump in the groin or scrotum, often more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining.
• Aching, burning, or a heavy/dragging sensation in the groin.
• Pain or discomfort, especially with activity.
• In men, pain and swelling in the scrotum if the hernia extends into it.

How Hernia Surgery Works:

The goal of hernia surgery is to push the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and repair the weakened area in the abdominal wall, usually by reinforcing it with surgical mesh.

• Anesthesia: Hernia repair can be performed under general anesthesia, regional (spinal or epidural) anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the type of hernia, surgical approach, and patient factors.
• Surgical Approaches:
  • Open Hernia Repair: The surgeon makes a single incision (typically a few inches long) in the groin over the hernia. The protruding tissue is returned to the abdominal cavity. The weakened muscle wall is then repaired by suturing the tissues together (herniorrhaphy) or, more commonly, by placing a piece of synthetic mesh over the defect to reinforce it (hernioplasty). The mesh acts as a scaffold for new tissue growth, creating a strong repair.
  • Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Hernia Repair: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen. A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon views the hernia from inside the abdomen and repairs it by placing mesh over the defect from the internal side.
• Mesh Reinforcement: The use of surgical mesh significantly reduces the rate of hernia recurrence compared to suture-only repairs for most adult groin hernias.
• Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures, staples, or surgical glue.

Hernia surgery aims to:

• Relieve pain and discomfort caused by the hernia.
• Prevent potentially serious complications like incarceration (trapped bowel) or strangulation (trapped bowel with compromised blood supply, a surgical emergency).
• Allow a return to normal daily activities and physical exertion.
• Provide a durable, long-lasting repair.

Hernia surgery is generally recommended for most symptomatic groin hernias in adults to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications. This surgical option might be right for you if:

• →You have a diagnosed inguinal or femoral hernia that is causing symptoms such as pain, aching, a noticeable bulge, or discomfort, especially during activity.
• →Your hernia is reducible (can be pushed back in) but reappears.
• →Even if asymptomatic, your hernia is large or there's a concern for future complications (especially femoral hernias, which have a higher risk).
• →You are in good general health to undergo surgery.
• →You have realistic expectations about the surgical procedure, recovery, and potential (though usually minimal) scarring.
• →You are willing to follow pre- and post-operative instructions, including activity restrictions, to ensure optimal healing.

For very small, asymptomatic inguinal hernias in some individuals, a "watchful waiting" approach may sometimes be considered, but this should be discussed thoroughly with a surgeon, as most hernias tend to enlarge and become symptomatic over time. Femoral hernias almost always require surgical repair due to the higher risk of complications.

A comprehensive consultation at Minnerva Clinic is essential. Our surgeons will perform a thorough examination, confirm the hernia diagnosis, discuss your symptoms and lifestyle, explain the surgical options (open vs. laparoscopic, mesh vs. no mesh in specific cases), and help you decide if and when hernia surgery is the most appropriate course of action.

• ✔️Experienced General Surgeons & Urologists: Our surgical team includes specialists highly skilled in performing a variety of hernia repair techniques, including both open and laparoscopic approaches, for optimal outcomes.
• ✔️Focus on Durable Repair & Low Recurrence Rates: We utilize modern surgical techniques, most commonly involving the use of high-quality surgical mesh, to ensure a strong, lasting repair and minimize the chances of hernia recurrence.
• ✔️Personalized Surgical Approach (Open vs. Laparoscopic): We assess each patient's specific hernia type, anatomy, and overall health to recommend the most appropriate and effective surgical method.
• ✔️Commitment to Patient Safety & Comfort: All surgeries are performed in an accredited facility with appropriate anesthesia and pain management strategies to ensure patient safety and a comfortable recovery.
• ✔️Minimally Invasive Options When Appropriate: Laparoscopic hernia repair offers potential benefits like smaller incisions and sometimes quicker return to certain activities for suitable candidates.
• ✔️Comprehensive Pre and Post-Operative Care: We provide thorough consultations, clear explanations of the procedure, and detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery and successful outcome.