Because of intestinal obstruction, there is abdominal pain and vomiting. In general, all hernias should be repaired unless there are other conditions in the patient that preclude a safe outcome. Trusses and surgical belts are helpful in the management of small hernias when surgery is contraindicated. Surgical Repair A hernia repair is usually done on an outpatient basis. Typically, the procedure takes less than an hour to complete.
Most patients are fully ambulatory and able to go home after about two to four hours.
Inguinal hernia An inguinal hernia is repaired by first making an incision just above the crease where the abdomen meets the thigh. The inguinal canal is opened, the hernia sac separated from the spermatic cord, lifted and opened. Intestine or other tissue is then placed back into the abdominal cavity. The excess sac is tied off and removed. Figure 1 - The inguinal canal is opened, the hernia sac separated from the spermatic cord and tied off.