Who needs hernia repair?

Not all hernias require immediate treatment, but most eventually do since they usually worsen over time. Hernias can create bulges where interior tissue presses outward through a tear or gap in a muscle or tissue wall. They can also cause unpleasant symptoms, like pressure, discomfort or pain. Depending on where your hernia’s located, it can impact other organs and cause complications.

For example, if you have testicles, a hernia can slip past a muscle wall and into your scrotum, causing swelling, pain during sex or other issues.

If a hernia causes symptoms or puts you at risk of a complication, you may need surgery.

What are the types of hernia surgery?

The main types of surgery for hernia are:

• Open (traditional) hernia repair surgery: A surgeon makes a single incision (cut) that allows them to operate on the herniated tissue. They put the organs and tissue back into place and use surgical instruments to stitch the tissue back together to make it stronger. Surgeons often use surgical mesh to reinforce the tissue.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery: During laparoscopy, or “keyhole surgery,” your surgeon uses several tiny cuts (usually three or four) to operate. Your surgeon inserts a thin tube with a tiny video camera (laparoscope) that projects images of your insides onto a screen. They insert surgical instruments into the other incisions that allow them to repair the hernia.
• Robotic hernia repair surgery: This type of laparoscopic surgery uses robotic surgical instruments to operate. Your surgeon works at a console driving the technology used to repair the weakened tissue causing your hernia.

How common is hernia repair surgery?

According to the FDA, surgeons perform more than 1 million hernia surgeries in the United States annually. Each year, about 20 million hernia surgeries are performed worldwide. Most treat inguinal hernias, the most common type.

What are the benefits of hernia surgery?

Hernia surgery is considered a safe procedure that can repair your hernia and prevent it from recurring. According to a recent study, only about 16% of people need additional surgery because their hernia returned within 10 years after the first surgery.

But recurrence rates vary depending on the type of surgery and where your hernia is located. There may be a slightly higher risk of a hernia returning with laparoscopic surgery. Still, laparoscopic and robotic surgery cause less scarring and usually involve fewer pain medicines, and they have a quicker recovery than open surgery.

Your healthcare provider will explain the benefits, including likely surgery outcomes, based on your hernia and overall health.