Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy, Hernioplasty)

The following people need special preparation before surgery to reduce the risk of complications:

• Those with a history of blood clots in large blood vessels (deep vein thrombosis)
• Smokers
• Those taking large doses of aspirin
• Those taking anticoagulation medicines (such as warfarin or heparin)

Most inguinal hernia repair surgery on adults of all ages and healthy children is done on an outpatient basis. Outpatient surgery takes about 1 hour.

Open surgery is different from laparoscopic surgery for hernia repair in the following ways:

• An open surgery requires one larger incision instead of several small incisions.
• If hernias are on both sides, a second incision will be needed to fix the other hernia. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to repair both hernias without making more incisions.
• Open hernia repair can be done under general, spinal, or local anesthesia. Laparoscopic repair requires general anesthesia.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

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