Inguinal Hernia Repair

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

What you need to know about an inguinal hernia repair:

An inguinal hernia repair is surgery to place bulging tissue and intestines back into your abdomen. The weakened abdominal wall is also repaired. Your surgeon may use open surgery or a laparoscopic method. Open means your surgeon will make 1 large groin incision to repair your hernia. Laparoscopic means your hernia will be repaired through 2 to 3 small incisions.

How to prepare for an inguinal hernia repair:

Your surgeon will tell you how to prepare. Your surgeon may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to start or stop any medicine for surgery, and when to do so. You may be given antibiotics to help prevent a bacterial infection.
Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to medicines or anesthesia.
Your surgeon will tell you if you need tests before your surgery, and when to have them.

What will happen during an inguinal hernia repair:

You will be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during surgery. You may also be given local anesthesia and medicine to help you relax and numb the surgery area.
During a laparoscopic hernia repair, your surgeon will make a small incision above or to the side of your hernia. Your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide to lift the muscles away from your organs. This creates space for your surgeon to work. Your surgeon will insert a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a long, thin tube with a light and camera on the end. Other instruments will be inserted into 2 to 3 smaller incisions at different places on your abdomen.
During an open hernia repair, your surgeon will make 1 incision near your groin. The incision size will depend on the size of your hernia.
In both types of hernia repair, tools are used to remove the hernia sac that contains bulging organs or abdominal tissue. Your surgeon will move your organs or tissue back into the correct place. Stitches or mesh may be used to close or cover the abdominal wall. This will prevent the hernia from bulging out again.
Your incisions will be closed with stitches or medical glue and covered with bandages.

What will happen after an inguinal hernia repair:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your provider says it is okay.
You will be helped to walk around after surgery. Movement will help prevent blood clots.
You may have swelling just under the incision if you are female. If you are male, you may have swelling or bruising in your scrotum. You may feel pain around the incision sites. This is expected and should improve within a few weeks. You may be given medicine to help manage the pain.
You may be able to go home when your pain is controlled, you can drink liquids, and you can urinate.

Risks of an inguinal hernia repair:

Your organs, blood vessels, or nerves may be injured during surgery. You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. A pocket of fluid may form under your skin. This may heal on its own, or you may need surgery to remove it. You may have temporary difficulty urinating after surgery. Problems, such as a hole in your intestines, may happen during laparoscopic repair. This may lead to open surgery. You may have constant groin pain or another hernia. You may get a blood clot in your leg or arm. This may become life-threatening.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
You cough up blood.
You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
Blood soaks through your bandage.
Your surgery area is red, swollen, or draining pus or fluid.
Your abdomen or groin feels hard and looks bigger than usual.
Your bowel movements are black, bloody, or tarry-looking.
You cannot have a bowel movement.
You have trouble urinating.
Your stitches come apart.

Call your doctor or surgeon if:

You have a fever.
You develop a skin rash, hives, or itching.
You have nausea, or are vomiting.
Your pain does not get better after you take pain medicine.
You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Self-care:

Care for your incision sites. You may shower in 48 hours. Ask when you can remove your bandages. Gently clean the sites with soap and water. Do not rub the sites. Do not take a bath, swim, or get in a hot tub until your healthcare provider says these are okay. Keep the areas clean and dry. Gently pat the areas dry and put on new, clean bandages, if directed. Check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Choose a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Healthy foods may help you heal faster. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
Drink liquids as directed. Liquids may prevent constipation and straining during a bowel movement. This will help prevent pressure on your incision, and prevent another hernia. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Apply ice as directed. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Apply ice on your incision for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel.
Take deep breaths and cough. Do not smoke. This may decrease your risk for a lung infection. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Push the air out of your lungs with a deep, strong cough. Take deep breaths and cough 10 times each hour. Hold a pillow tightly against your incision when you cough to help decrease the pain. You may be given an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath. Then let the air out and cough. Repeat these steps 10 times every hour.

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can delay wound healing. It can also increase your risk for another inguinal hernia. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Activity:

Physical activity such as walking will help prevent blood clots, move your bowels after surgery, and increase healing. Slowly start to do more each day. Do not lift, push, or pull more than 10 to 20 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. This will reduce the risk of another hernia and help your incision stay closed. Do not play sports for 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work, school, and your usual activities. Your provider will tell you about specific activities to avoid after your surgery.

Driving:

Do not drive for at least 1 week after surgery. Do not drive if you take prescription pain medication. Do not drive until it is comfortable to wear a seatbelt across your abdomen. Ask your healthcare provider when it is safe for you to drive.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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