How open inguinal hernia repair surgery is carried out

This animation will show how an inguinal hernia can be repaired using open surgery. Click the navigation arrows below the animation screen to play, pause, rewind or fast-forward the animation. This animation contains sound. An inguinal hernia is a lump in the groin that occurs when part of the abdominal contents pushes through a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. The hernia can contain abdominal fat or part of the bowel. The aim of a hernia repair operation is to push the contents of the hernia back in place and strengthen the abdominal wall.

You will be given an injection of local anaesthetic called an inguinal block. This completely blocks feeling from the groin area and you will stay awake during the operation. Alternatively, a general anaesthetic may be used. This means you will be asleep during the operation and feel no pain. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, a single cut (about 5 to 10cm long) will be made in your groin. The contents of the hernia are pushed back in place. Your surgeon may stitch a synthetic mesh over the weak spot to strengthen the wall of the abdomen. The cut is then closed with dissolvable stitches.

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