Penn Hernia Center performs a high volume of inguinal hernia repair surgeries. Our experienced surgeons repair routine and rare groin hernias, among other complex types of hernias, safely and successfully — even difficult cases that other centers can't treat.
What Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue in the abdomen (such as fat or intestine) pokes through muscle and connective tissue in the lower abdominal wall and groin. Surgery to repair an inguinal hernia is called an inguinal hernia repair.
Inguinal hernia procedures are typically performed as outpatient surgery, so you go home the same day. However, certain circumstances may require a hospital stay.
During inguinal hernia repair surgery, a surgeon usually:
- Helps keep you comfortable by putting you to sleep or numbing the site with anesthesia.
- Makes one or more incisions in the groin or abdomen to access the hernia.
- Moves the protruding tissue back into place (reducing the hernia).
- Repairs the affected abdominal wall tissue where the hernia occurred.
- Uses mesh material or stitches to reinforce the repaired area to prevent another hernia.
Our surgeons perform open, laparoscopic, and robotic inguinal hernia surgery using the latest techniques.
Unlike open hernia surgery (which uses large incisions), laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery requires small incisions and repairs the hernia with sophisticated instruments. Our surgeons' expertise in minimally invasive techniques reduces the risk of complications and may help you heal faster after surgery.
Inguinal (Groin) Hernia Surgery: Why Choose Penn Medicine?
We understand the impact an inguinal hernia can have on your life. We're committed to addressing your concerns with compassion. You also benefit from:
- Esteemed, experienced hernia surgeons: Our team includes board-certified surgeons with decades of experience and specialized training. Our surgeons' niche focus on hernia repair provides an elite level of expertise most hernia centers don't offer. Several of Penn's hernia surgeons are consistently regarded as "top doctors" in Philadelphia and the U.S.
- Full spectrum of treatment options: Our surgeons are skilled in the latest surgical advances, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic inguinal hernia surgery. We are a regional referral center for advanced hernia concerns, including complex hernia revision, surgery to repair hernias that return (recurrence), and complications after hernia repair.
- Team-based hernia care: Penn is the only hernia center in the region where specialists in gastrointestinal surgery, plastic surgery and pain management and other medical disciplines work together on your hernia treatment. This close coordination helps us deliver exceptional care from start to finish, with results that improve your quality of life.
- Easy access to experts: With several hernia center locations throughout the region, you can meet with a member of our team when and where it's convenient for you.
- Comprehensive support: If your doctor recommends surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, you may have questions. We make it easy to get answers from your care team. You can also find helpful tips in our patient guide to GI surgery.
Is Inguinal Hernia Mesh Safe?
Almost all inguinal hernia surgery uses mesh to reinforce the weakness in the lower abdominal wall because the recurrence rate for groin hernias without mesh is very high. The mesh has a low chance of developing an infection. It is placed outside of the abdominal cavity so it does not come into contact with your intestines or other organs. Few people are candidates for surgery without mesh, but that is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery
Everyone recovers from inguinal hernia surgery differently. We help you prepare for what to expect as your body heals. During your follow-up care, we may guide you to hernia surgery recovery and rehabilitation. These resources may help you avoid a hernia recurrence down the road.
Additional Options for Managing Chronic Groin Pain
A small percentage of people develop severe groin pain after inguinal hernia repair surgery. While this complication is rare, it can be debilitating. We created specific protocols to assist people facing this uncommon obstacle, many of whom have run out of options elsewhere.
Our hernia surgeons and pain management specialists work together to evaluate your pain. They then guide you to additional treatment options, such as nerve block therapy or another surgery, based on your needs. We stay by your side, helping you pinpoint a therapy that enables you to enjoy a higher quality of life.
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