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What Are the Serious Complications From Open Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine or other soft tissue passes through a tear or weakened segment in the wall of the lower abdomen. Certain serious complications can result after open surgery to repair a hernia.

  1. The Facts

    • The term ̶0;open surgery̶1; describes traditional surgical techniques that require large incisions in the skin to gain access to the body̵7;s interior.

    General Complications

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine̵7;s MedlinePlus website, some of the potential complications of open inguinal surgery are the same as those from in any surgery̵2;bleeding, infection, heartbeat irregularities, adverse medication reactions and development of pneumonia or other breathing difficulties.

    Specific Complications

    • Specific serious risks of open inguinal surgery reported by MedlinePlus include damage to the intestine, blood vessels or bladder; return of the hernia; long-term pain at the site of the surgical scar; and damage to the testicles.

    Considerations

    • Most patients do well after hernia surgery and do not experience any serious complications. In some cases, short-term effects occur, including urinary difficulties, according to MedlinePlus.

    Alternatives

    • Inguinal hernia surgery can be done as a laparoscopy, using tiny cameras to assist the surgeon with smaller incisions that allow for relatively rapid post-surgical healing.

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