Inguinal hernia repair Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about inguinal hernia repair
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How long should I wait before I exercise again?
- How long will my pain last after the operation?
- Will my hernia come back?
How long should I wait before I exercise again?
You should wait for at least six weeks before you attempt heavy lifting or strenuous exercise but you can return to normal activities such as work and some sports after two weeks.
Explanation
It's generally recommended that you return to your normal activities as soon as possible after inguinal hernia repair. This can help you to recover faster.
You shouldn't take part in contact sports such as rugby or karate for at least three weeks. If you get hit where the wound is, it may re-open and this is likely to be painful.
You shouldn't try to lift heavy objects or do any strenuous exercise until six weeks after your operation. This ensures that the hernia has had sufficient time to repair and won't immediately re-occur.
If you have keyhole surgery, the time for recovery is usually shorter than an open operation.
Your doctor or surgeon can give you advice about when you can return to exercise, if you are unsure.
Further information
- CORE
020 7486 0341
www.digestivedisorders.org.uk - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
www.nice.org.uk
Sources
- Kurzer M, Kark A, Hussain T. Inguinal hernia repair. J Perioper Pract 2001; 17(7):318-330. www.afpp.org.uk
- Hernia repair. Medline Plus. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus, accessed 5 February 2008
How long will my pain last after the operation?
Pain from your operation will normally subside after one to two weeks. However, it can last for over a year.
Explanation
In most people pain from the operation site will disappear after about a fortnight.
However about one in five people have pain and numbness for up to a year after an inguinal hernia repair. In most people with persistent pain, this will eventually disappear but rarely it can last for longer.
If you have keyhole surgery, you are less likely to suffer from persistent pain or numbness.
If you have persistent pain, you should visit your doctor as it may be caused by scar tissue irritating a nerve. If this is the case you may be able to have an operation to treat this. This operation involves removing part of the nerve and so you would be left with an area of permanent numbness.
Further information
- CORE
020 7486 0341
www.digestivedisorders.org.uk - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
www.nice.org.uk
Sources
- Kurzer M, Kark A, Hussain T. Inguinal hernia repair. J Perioper Pract 2001; 17(7):318-330. www.afpp.org.uk
- McCormack K, Scott NW, Go PMNYH, Ross S, Grant AM, the EU Hernia Trialists Collaboration. Laparoscopic techniques versus open techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No: CD001785. wwww.cochrane.org
- Complications associated with hernia surgery. Medscape. www.medscape.com, accessed 5 February 2008
Will my hernia come back?
It isn't likely that your hernia will come back.
Explanation
The chances of your hernia coming back are very small and vary depending on which method was used to repair the hernia.
The recurrence rate for inguinal hernias is about three percent. This is lower when a mesh is used to strengthen the abdominal wall and there is some evidence to suggest that keyhole surgery reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.
If you have a recurrent hernia, keyhole surgery is generally recommended to repair your hernia again.
Further information
- CORE
020 7486 0341
www.digestivedisorders.org.uk - National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
www.nice.org.uk
Sources
- McCormack K, Scott NW, Go PMNYH, Ross S, Grant AM, the EU Hernia Trialists Collaboration. Laparoscopic techniques versus open techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No: CD001785. www.cochrane.org
- Kurzer M, Kark A, Hussain T. Inguinal hernia repair. J Perioper Pract 2001; 17(7):318-330. www.afpp.org.uk
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
Inguinal hernia repair factsheet
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