Inguinal, scrotal and femoral hernia repair

Hernia in the groin region may take several forms:

• inguinal hernia (more common in male patients):
  – direct — does not protrude through the inguinal canal, but directly from the abdominal cavity as a result of the weakening of the hypogastric wall muscles, in the Hesselbach triangle. The hernia exits in the scrotum region,
  – indirect – the hernia protrudes through the inguinal canal and exits under the skin in the scrotum region, in the superficial inguinal ring,
• scrotal hernia — a type of indirect inguinal hernia where the hernial sac protrudes into the scrotum. Such hernias may be very large,
• femoral hernia — a special form of direct hernia where the hernial sac protrudes through the femoral ring, below the groin ligament, onto the thigh. This form happens more often in women. This type of hernia happens when the back wall of the groin canal is weak and the hernia sac with intraabdominal organs inside (usually intestines) protrudes into the canal. Hernia can be congenital or acquired. If left untreated, groin hernia may become strangulated and become a life-threatening condition.

• a bulge in the groin which becomes more prominent in the upright position,
• pain, pulling, burning sensation when the hernia sac is moved or pressed,
• pain radiating to the testicles when coughing, exercising, bowel movement, or standing for a long time.

The decision on your surgery is taken during a pre-operative visit when a doctor assesses your eligibility. During the visit the doctor also selects the optimum procedure and orders necessary tests.  The decision is made on the basis of test results and your general condition. Then a convenient date is selected.

• One week before the procedure you should have the following blood tests done: full blood count, electrolyte test, coagulation test, blood type, glucose, creatinine, Hbs antigen, ANTI-HCV.
• If you have other medical conditions, please consult your attending doctors and bring a certificate that there are no contraindications to the surgical procedure.
• If you are on anticoagulant treatment, you should switch to subcutaneous medications 7 days before the procedure.
• Consult with the attending doctor whether to take any medications on the day of the procedure.
  On the day of the surgery you should come to hospital on an empty stomach.

• the procedure is performed under spinal block,
• during the procedure a flat non-absorbable mesh is placed in the body to strengthen the wall of the inguinal canal and prevent hernia recurrence,
• the procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

After hernia repair you can return to normal activity within one week, but you should follow these guidelines:

• Physical exercise should be limited for up to 4 weeks after the surgery,
• The wound should be rinsed with Octenisept solution every day.
• Sutures are removed on the 7th day after the procedure.