Hernia Repair Surgery
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- September 5, 2026
- 5 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding Hernia Repair
A hernia can be a source of significant discomfort and anxiety, often worsening if left untreated. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, our surgical team specializes in both traditional and minimally invasive hernia repairs. Our goal is to ensure you can return to your daily life safely, comfortably, and as quickly as possible.
What is a Hernia Repair?
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. Hernia repair surgery is a procedure designed to push the bulging tissue back into its proper place and strengthen the weakened muscle wall, almost always using a synthetic medical mesh to prevent recurrence.
Common Types of Hernias We Treat:
- Inguinal Hernia: Occurs in the inner groin and is the most common type, especially in men.
- Umbilical Hernia: Occurs at the belly button.
- Incisional Hernia: Occurs at the site of a previous surgical scar where the abdominal wall has weakened.
- Hiatal Hernia: Occurs in the upper stomach/diaphragm and often causes severe acid reflux
When and Why is it Needed?
Hernias do not heal on their own. While some small, painless hernias may only require monitoring, surgery is highly recommended if you experience:
- Noticeable pain or discomfort, especially when lifting, coughing, bending, or standing for long periods.
- A bulge that increases in size over time or cannot be pushed back in.
- Signs of a "strangulated" hernia, which is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off (characterized by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and discoloration of the bulge).
How Does the Procedure Work?
Our surgeons will recommend the best approach based on the size, type, and location of your hernia.
- Laparoscopic Repair: Several tiny incisions are made. The surgeon uses a camera (laparoscope) and specialized tools to repair the hernia from the inside. This is best for smaller hernias and patients seeking a faster recovery.
- Open Hernia Repair: A single incision is made directly over the hernia. The tissue is pushed back, and the area is reinforced with mesh and stitches. This is often necessary for larger hernias or patients with extensive previous abdominal surgeries.
Risks and Complications
Hernia surgery is very safe, but risks include minor infection at the incision site, fluid buildup (seroma), or temporary difficulty urinating. There is a small risk of chronic groin pain or hernia recurrence, though the use of surgical mesh has drastically reduced the chances of a hernia returning.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Hospital Stay: Most laparoscopic repairs are done as day-care (one-day) surgery. Open repairs or complex cases may require an overnight stay.
- The First Few Days: Mild to moderate soreness is normal. You will be encouraged to walk around the house to promote blood circulation and prevent clots.
- Returning to Routine: Most patients can return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks.
Life After Hernia Surgery (Diet & Lifestyle)
To protect your repair while it heals, you must avoid heavy lifting (anything over 10 pounds) and strenuous exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. A high-fiber diet is crucial in the weeks following surgery to prevent constipation, as straining during bowel movements can damage the repair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Open hernia repair is considered a routine and highly safe surgery, but it is a major surgical procedure because it involves incisions into the abdominal wall to place surgical mesh. Recovery is generally straightforward but requires strict adherence to lifting restrictions.
No, a hernia will never heal on its own. A hernia is a physical hole or weakness in the muscle wall, and it requires surgical intervention to close the gap and reinforce the tissue. If left untreated, hernias typically grow larger over time.
Minimally invasive hernia repairs typically take between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the hernia. Patients usually return home the next day.
Most patients can return to desk work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks. However, to ensure the surgical mesh integrates properly and the muscle wall heals, you must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
For an open repair, you will have a single incision (about 2 to 3 inches long) in the groin crease, which usually fades well over time. For a laparoscopic repair, you will have 3 or 4 tiny incisions on your abdomen that often heal into barely noticeable scars.
There is no non-surgical cure for a hernia. While supportive garments like hernia trusses can temporarily relieve symptoms by holding the tissue in place, they do not fix the underlying muscle tear. Surgery is the only permanent solution.