Herniorrhaphy (tissue repair) is the oldest type of hernia surgery and is still being performed which involves a surgeon making a long incision directly over the hernia and then surgical tools are used to open the cut enough to access it. Tissues or a displaced organ are then returned to their original location, and the hernia sac is removed by the surgeon who stitches the sides of the muscle opening or hole through which the hernia protruded. Once the wound has been sterilized, it is stitched shut.