Inguinal hernioplasty is a medical procedure where a mesh patch is sewn over the weakened tissue of the inguinal or groin after the tissue is pushed back to its original place. An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin region that develops due to a tissue protruding through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge is painful while bending over or coughing.
How is Inguinal Hernioplasty performed? Before, during and after.
The doctor will conduct a physical examination and check for signs of a bulge. After that, he will take the patient’s medical history to get an overall understanding of his health. For further examination, the doctor will carry out a CT scan, MRI scan, or abdominal ultrasound. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will ask the patient to stop taking any blood thinners, aspirin, supplements, or smoking before the procedure.Â
The surgeon administers general or local anesthesia before the procedure begins. An incision is made in the groin, and the hernia is pushed back into the abdomen. A mesh made of flexible plastic or animal tissue is sewn over the weakened spot to help strengthen the abdominal muscles. The open incision is either stitched or glued shut.Â
The individual will be kept under observation for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off. The doctor will give a set of instructions about what activities are allowed and what activities are not allowed. The patient can take a shower 36 hours after the surgery, but should make sure that gauze is removed before bathing.
Risks and complications of the Inguinal Hernioplasty
The patient may experience the following complications after inguinal hernioplasty such as infection, bleeding, fever, dizziness, swelling, severe pain, trouble urinating, constipation, inconsistent bowel movements, blood clot, pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), scarring, nerve or tissue damage, or recurrence of the hernia. If you experience any of these complications after your surgery, book an appointment and get a second opinion at the hospital.
Who needs an Inguinal Hernioplasty?
Any individual experiencing severe pain in the groin region followed by swelling, tenderness, inflammation, or vomiting must see a doctor immediately. On proper examination, the doctor will conduct hernioplasty to put the weakened tissue back in its place and sew it with a mesh to support and strengthen the abdominal muscles.
