INGUINAL HERNIA
Treatment options
Hernias don’t usually get better on their own.⁴
While they’re not always dangerous, a hernia will generally get worse over time without surgery.
Below are the most common treatment options available for inguinal hernias.
Hernia repair surgery
The need for surgery will depend on the size of your hernia and how much it’s affecting you.
The good thing is that hernia repair surgery has been around for a long time and techniques have continued to improve over time. While no single technique is right for everyone, the goals are the same: to provide the strongest repair with the least chance of recurrence (a hernia returning), minimal discomfort, and a quick recovery.
The two most common types of hernia repair are open surgery and laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.⁴⁻⁵
Traditional open hernia repair
In open hernia repair, a cut measuring around 5–10 cm is made near the hernia. The hernia is usually repaired using surgical mesh, or in some smaller hernias, by stitching the muscle closed.
This method has been used for many years and may be the best option for repairing a very large hernia. Because the incision is larger, recovery may take longer and can be more uncomfortable, sometimes up to five to six weeks.¹ A scar will remain, although it’s usually low on the abdomen and often less noticeable over time.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair
Laparoscopic repair uses several small cuts in the abdomen, usually three or four. The surgeon uses special instruments and a small camera to see inside and repair the hernia. This is why it’s often called keyhole surgery.
Surgical mesh is usually used to reinforce the repair. When the right expertise and equipment are available, laparoscopic surgery may offer a quicker recovery and a lower risk of long‑term pain.⁴
What is surgical mesh repair?
Mesh repair, sometimes called “tension‑free” repair, uses a piece of surgical mesh rather than pulling tissues together with stitches. The mesh strengthens the area and is usually secured in place with stitches or small fixation devices. The mesh stays in the body, allowing your own tissue to grow into it and helping reduce the chance of the hernia returning. There are different kinds of surgical mesh. The choice of mesh depends on several factors, including the type and location of the hernia and the surgeon’s clinical assessment.
For most people with a symptomatic hernia, clinical guidelines support a mesh‑based repair.⁴ Your surgeon will advise whether this is the right option for you, based on your symptoms and their clinical assessment.
Robotic surgery:
a newer approach
Robotic assisted surgery or (RAS) is a newer type of minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons use specialised instruments and a 3D camera to repair the hernia through small incisions. This technology may allow surgeons greater control and precision during the operation.
Robotic hernia surgery is becoming more common, but it’s not available in all hospitals and depends on your surgeon’s training and experience. Research is ongoing to better understand how this approach compares with other hernia repair techniques.
About the surgery
Surgery is the only way to fix a hernia. Learn what hernia surgery involves, how to prepare, and what to expect during recovery. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared.
References
- Medtronic Market Model Data on File. Internal analysis based on publicly available healthcare data, including Australian Institute of Health and Welfare admitted patient care statistics and MBS data.
- University of South Australia. 90,000 Australians go under the knife for hernia repair operations each year, with older men at highest risk. University of South Australia media release. 2024. https://unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/90000-australians-go-under-the-knife-for-hernia-repair-operations-each-year-with-older-men-at-highest-risk/
- Le TN, Afshar Ali M, Gadzhanova S, Lim R. Hernia repair prevalence by age and gender among the Australian adult population from 2017 to 2021. Critical Public Health. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2024.2351981
- Stabilini C, van Veenendaal N, Aasvang E, et al. Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management. BJS Open. 2023;7(5):zrad080. doi:10.1093/bjsopen/zrad080
- Healthdirect Australia. Hernias. Last reviewed March 2024. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hernias