Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Often yes. Two groin hernias are commonly repaired in one sitting, and a keyhole approach reaches both sides through the same ports.
- Where the two hernias sit, how big each one is and how fit you are together decide whether one operation suits you.
- Two dates are chosen when the hernias are far apart, one is complex, or a shorter single operation is the safer plan.
It is common to find two hernias at once - both groins, or a groin hernia alongside one at the navel or in an old scar.
The usual question is whether one operation can deal with both. Often it can. This page explains what decides it.
What decides whether both are done together
Four things are weighed: where each hernia sits, how big each one is, which approach is planned, and how fit you are for a longer anaesthetic.
Two groin hernias sit close together, so a keyhole repair reaches both sides through the same small cuts. That is the clearest case for one sitting.
One operation for both, or two separate dates
One operation for both, or two separate dates
| Point | Both in one sitting | Two separate dates |
|---|---|---|
| Anaesthetics | One | Two |
| Recovery periods | One | Two |
| Time in theatre | Longer than one side | Shorter each time |
| Suits | Two groin hernias, similar size | Hernias far apart, or one complex |
| Soreness at first | A little more | Less each time |
Been told you have two hernias? Bring your scan reports and the list of what was found on each side.
What one sitting actually saves
One anaesthetic instead of two, one admission, one set of pre-operative tests and one recovery period rather than two.
For most people the second of those matters most. Two separate repairs mean two spells away from work and two periods of lifting restriction.
When two dates are the better plan
Splitting them is a deliberate choice, not a setback. The order is decided by which hernia carries more risk if it is left.
What recovery looks like with both repaired
The first few days can be a little more sore, because there are two repaired areas rather than one.
After that the recovery runs as a single period. Walking starts the same day and the lifting advice is the same as for one side, counted from the one date.
What to bring to the visit
Bring any ultrasound or CT reports, and a note of what was found on each side and when each hernia was first noticed.
If one side has been repaired before, bring those operation notes too. They tell the team which layers and which mesh were used, and that shapes the plan for both.
Frequently asked questions
Can two hernias be repaired in one operation?
Often yes. Two groin hernias in particular are commonly repaired in a single sitting through a keyhole approach.
Does it mean a longer operation?
Somewhat longer than one side, but much shorter than two separate operations with two anaesthetics.
Is recovery harder with both done?
It can be a little more sore at first, then the recovery runs as one period rather than two.
When would you not do both together?
If the hernias are far apart, one is very large or complex, or your fitness makes a shorter operation safer.
Does doing both cost less than two operations?
One admission and one anaesthetic are usually involved instead of two. Your team can set out the figures for your case.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.