The Top Things You Didn’t Know about Hernia Surgery – and Why There’s No Reason to Be Afraid

There are certain medical conditions that we are all familiar with and are fairly common, such as hypertension or diabetes. But it is often the case that when we are faced with a medical condition with which we are not all too familiar, we panic and imagine the worst-case scenario just because we don’t know (enough) about it. Take inguinal hernia, for example. Inguinal hernia surgery is a common procedure thousands of people undergo yearly, but not many are aware of it! While the prospect of surgery can indeed be daunting, it is important for you to remember that there is really no reason to be afraid. First off, what do you know about the condition? If you have been diagnosed with it, here are some top things you might not know about inguinal hernia surgery – and why there’s no reason to be afraid.

1. It is a common procedure: Inguinal hernias are quite common, with millions worldwide undergoing surgery to repair their inguinal hernias each year! In fact, around 5 per cent of people will have an inguinal hernia sometime in their lifetime.
2. It is usually performed under general anesthesia: According to a groin hernia surgeon in London such as one from The London Surgical Group, inguinal hernia surgery is often performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure. This can minimize any pain or discomfort during the surgery.
3. It can be performed with minimally invasive techniques: As the same experts in hernia surgery London will attest, inguinal hernia surgery can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery or even surgery assisted by robots. With these techniques, the surgery will result in less scarring, less pain and discomfort, and a faster and easier recovery period compared to traditional surgery.
4. You can usually go home on the same day of the procedure: In many cases, people who undergo surgery can go home on the same day as the procedure – which means you can recover and rest more easily in the comfort of your own home; you can avoid an overnight stay in the hospital.
5. Recovery time is typically short: While the recovery period can vary depending on the patient, most people can return to normal activities within just a few days (to a week) after the inguinal hernia surgery has been done! But it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid any strenuous activities until you have fully recovered; it is for your own good, anyway!
6. It is a safe procedure: Inguinal hernia surgery is generally considered safe, with a low risk of complications. But of course, as with any surgery, there is always a risk of complications, and you have to be on the lookout for bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding tissue.
7. It can improve your quality of life: Repairing an inguinal hernia can alleviate symptoms (such as pain and difficulty with activities such as bending or lifting). By improving these symptoms, having surgery can improve your overall quality of life.
8. It’s important to follow post-operative instructions: Follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions, as they are essential to ensuring a successful recovery. This includes avoiding certain activities, taking medication, and attending follow-up appointments.