Inguinal hernia

Surgery for inguinal hernia repair is generally performed for symptoms that impact your day to day function.  Risk of emergency surgery for inguinal hernia is only 1-2/1000.

Technique 

Three small incisions are made and the hernia is repaired from the inside with a mesh patch

Complications

Infection 1% - mesh removal may be necessary

Bleeding, serious <1% and enough for a bruise/hematoma 5%

Injury to cord 1%

Chronic pain 5% of patients will have some issues beyond 6 weeks, often resolves on its own, 1-2% may be long term

Recurrence 1-2%

Medical complications: heart attack, stroke, blood clots, pneumonia, etc. depending on underlying health

Day of Surgery

This is generally performed as a day surgery with discharge within hours of surgery

Recovery

Return to most activities within 1-3 weeks depending on pain

No lifting >10-15lbs for 4 weeks for laparoscopic repair and 6 weeks for open repai