Inguinal hernia is a medical condition seen mainly in the groin area. In inguinal hernia, the fat within the abdomen or sections of the small intestine bulges through a weak area in the lower muscles of the abdomen. When these hernias become large or cause symptoms, they are treated with surgical procedures, which may involve an open hernia repair called herniorrhaphy or laparoscopic surgery. Inguinal hernia repair does have some potential complications.
Recurrence of Hernia
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that one of the most common complications of inguinal hernia repair is that the hernia may recur. This recurrence can happen even after several years of undergoing the surgery. When the condition recurs, the individual has to go through a second operation.
Damage to The Organs
Another complication of inguinal hernia repair is damage to the nearby organs, reports Medline Plus. It states that if a blood vessel connected to the testicles gets affected, it may harm the testicles. Harm may also occur to the tube called the vas deferens, which carries the sperm. Injuries may also occur to the intestines, bladder, kidneys and the internal female organs. The nerves and blood vessels leading to the legs may get damaged.
Pain in The Incision Area
Medline Plus states that long-term pain in the incision area is a possible complication of inguinal hernia. Once the incision has healed, an individual may experience a sharp, tingling pain in the area near the incision. There may also be swelling and bluish discoloration of the skin, which indicates bleeding. Although bleeding is rare, it requires opening the incision to stop it.
Other Complications
Other complications resulting from inguinal hernia repair, as reported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, include the risks of general anesthesia. These involve nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, sore throat and headache. Heart attack, stroke, pneumonia and blood clots in the legs are some of the serious problems that may occur due to anesthesia. There is also a small risk of wound infection, which can cause fever, redness, swelling, tenderness or discharge from the incision. This may require the administration of antibiotics. The individual may also need to undergo a small procedure in which the incision is opened and drained.
