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
- Most problems after hernia repair are minor and settle within weeks, such as soreness, bruising, swelling and a stiff feeling near the repair.
- Serious problems are uncommon. They include wound or mesh infection, long-term groin pain, the hernia coming back and, rarely, injury inside the belly.
- You can lower your risk. Stop smoking, control sugar, treat a cough or constipation, walk early and avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Knowing the risks helps you decide calmly. It also helps you spot a problem early. This page lists them in plain words.
Your own risk depends on your hernia and your health. Your surgeon should explain it before you sign the form.
Common problems that settle
Most people are sore for a few days. Bruising and swelling near the repair are also common. In men the bruise can spread to the scrotum.
After keyhole repair, gas in the belly can cause pain at the tip of the shoulder for a day or two. These all settle on their own.
Uncommon but more serious problems
Risks of hernia surgery and how they are lowered
Risks of hernia surgery and how they are lowered
| Risk | How common | How it is lowered |
|---|---|---|
| Soreness, bruising, swelling | Common | Rest, pain relief and gentle walking |
| Fluid under the wound (seroma) | Fairly common | Usually settles on its own in weeks |
| Trouble passing urine for a day | Uncommon | Passing urine before surgery, early walking |
| Wound or mesh infection | Uncommon | Clean technique, sugar control, wound care |
| Long-term groin pain | Uncommon | Careful handling of nerves during the repair |
| Hernia coming back | Uncommon | Right mesh size, no early heavy lifting, no smoking |
| Injury to bowel, bladder or blood vessels | Rare | Careful technique and a clear view |
Want your own risks explained before you decide? A consultation can go through them with your health history.
What raises the risk
Smoking, high sugar, extra weight on the belly and a long cough all slow healing. A very large hernia is harder to fix. So is one that has been repaired before.
You can work on many of these in the weeks before surgery. Ask your surgeon which ones apply to you.
Signs to call your surgeon
Call the same day for a fever or a red, leaking wound. Also call for pain that gets worse, vomiting that will not stop, a swollen belly, or if you cannot pass urine.
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or a painful swollen leg need emergency care. Most problems are easier to treat when caught early.
Frequently asked questions
Is hernia surgery safe?
It is one of the commonest operations, and most people recover well. Like every operation it carries some risk, which your surgeon will explain.
What is the commonest problem after hernia repair?
Soreness, bruising and some swelling near the repair. These are expected in the first weeks and settle on their own.
Can the hernia come back after surgery?
Yes, in a small number of people. Smoking, weight, a long cough, constipation and heavy lifting too early raise the chance.
Is keyhole repair safer than open repair?
Each has its own small risks. Your surgeon chooses the method that suits your hernia, past surgery and health.
What should I do if something feels wrong?
Call your surgeon. Fever, a red wound, growing pain, vomiting or trouble passing urine should be checked the same day.
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.