Questions About Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Topic Overview

If you or your child needs surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, answers to the following questions will help you make the decision that is right for you.

• Ask the surgeon how many hernia repairs he or she has done using the type of surgery you will have. The risk of a hernia coming back is lower with an experienced surgeon.
• Ask whether a synthetic patch will be used to repair your hernia. Patch use is becoming widespread in repairing hernias in adults. A patch may strengthen your abdominal wall, reduce your discomfort after surgery, and reduce the chance that your hernia repair will have to be done again.
• Find out what kind of hernia repair is performed most at the hospital or clinic. If laparoscopy or local anesthesia is being proposed, you will want to know whether the doctor who will be giving the anesthesia (anesthesiologist) and the surgical team are experienced in these areas.