A person with a groin hernia may experience pain or a bulge. Some patients may have no symptoms at all, first discovering the hernia during a routine exam by a physician.

The evaluation of the hernia by your surgeon will involve a medical history, a physical exam of the groin and then the discussion of treatment options. Traditionally, these options have included standard surgical repair or the use of a truss (a garment that applies pressure to the groin to maintain the hernia inside the abdomen).

Today there is a third option- the repair of the inguinal hernia utilizing laparoscopic techniques. This involves the use of a small videoscope and specialized instruments to repair the hernia via smaller incisions. The patient experiences less postoperative pain and a quicker return to  usual activity, including work and sports. Laparoscopic surgery with the videoscope takes about one hour and one can go home the same day. The patient can gradually return to activities as his or her discomfort permits.

As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved in the repair of the inguinal hernia. These include bleeding, infection, recurrence of the hernia, and pain or numbness in the hernia area. Also, not every person is a suitable candidate for this laparoscopic approach. Your surgeon will help guide you toward the best procedure for your condition.

In the experience of the surgeons at Advanced Surgical, patients tend to feel better more quickly, use less pain medication, and return to daily activities sooner than those patients who undergo the classic open hernia repair.