Your surgeon will choose either a laparoscopic or open technique based on your individual circumstances. Because each method has its advantages, the decision depends on factors like medical history, hernia size, and recovery goals.

Laparoscopic repair

In this minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon makes three small incisions in the lower abdomen. Through these, they use a camera and specialised instruments to locate the hernia and reposition its contents. After that, surgical mesh is placed to support the abdominal wall.

Depending on tissue quality and mesh type, your surgeon may secure the mesh, depending on the tissue quality and mesh type.

Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred because:

• It reduces the risk of infection
• It usually causes less pain
• It allows for an earlier return to normal activities

Open inguinal hernia repair

Alternatively, open surgery may be the better choice in some cases. For instance, if you’ve had previous pelvic or groin surgery, or if you’re taking blood-thinning medication, open repair may offer a safer approach. Surgeons usually recommend this technique for very large or obstructed hernias.

In open repair, the surgeon makes a single incision directly over the groin. The surgeon returns the hernia contents to the abdomen and secures a mesh using sutures or surgical glue.

Although open repair is more invasive than the laparoscopic method, it remains a reliable and effective option — particularly when patient-specific factors are considered.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should consider surgery. Symptoms may worsen over time, and without treatment, the risk of complications increases. Even when pain is mild, the hernia may enlarge or become trapped — requiring urgent repair.

Therefore, it’s important to speak with your surgeon early to understand your options and plan the best course of action.

Although inguinal hernia surgery is very common and generally safe, no procedure is without risks. Fortunately, most complications occur rarely and are manageable.

Here’s what you might expect:

• Bleeding, bruising, and swelling – These are more common after laparoscopic surgery, but typically settle with time and standard care.
• Infection – Smoking, diabetes, or repeat surgeries may increase the chance of wound or mesh infection.
• Pain – Laparoscopic surgery tends to cause less pain than open repair.
• Nerve symptoms – Surgery can sometimes irritate the ilio-inguinal nerve. This irritation may result in numbness or nerve pain. For some patients, it resolves quickly. In others, it may persist.
• Recurrence – A hernia can return after either surgical method. You may need further treatment if the hernia returns, depending on your symptoms.

To reduce these risks, it’s essential to follow your pre- and post-operative care instructions carefully.