Groin hernia surgery is meant to repair hernias in the abdominal wall next to the groin. The groin is the area between the abdomen and the thigh, and a groin hernia is a condition in which the fatty tissue in the abdomen or a section of the small intestine bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. Some hernias need to be treated surgically and, like all surgeries, this surgery may have complications.
Hernia Recurrence
MedlinePlus reports that groin hernias can recur even years after the surgery. Considered to be the most common complication of groin hernia surgery, recurrence usually depends on factors such as the type of hernia, the type of operation and postoperative wound infection.
Injury to Internal Organs
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that injuries are complications of groin hernia surgery. There is a chance that the intestines, bladder and kidneys may get injured. The nerves and blood vessels leading to the legs may also get injured. Reproductive organs in females and the vas deferens, or the tube that carries the sperm in males, may also get damaged.
Painful Incision
Long-term pain in the incision area is another complication of groin hernia surgery, as stated by MedlinePlus. This pain is experienced as a sharp and tingling pain in the area near the incision once the wound has healed. Although the pain usually gets better with time, sometimes the individual may require pain medication to be injected in the area.
Wound Infection
The chances of wound infection are less than 2 percent and are higher in older adults, according to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The risk is also higher in individuals who are undergoing a complex groin hernia surgery. In case of a wound infection, fever, redness, swelling, tenderness around the incision and discharge from the incision may be seen. Usually, antibiotics are required; however, in some cases, the incision may need to be opened to drain the infection.
Other Complications
Other complications that may occur include the risks of general anesthesia such as nausea, vomiting, sore throat, urinary retention and headache. Serious problems such as heart attack, stroke, pneumonia and blood clots in the legs may also occur. Bleeding may also occur inside the incision, causing swelling and bluish discoloration of the skin around the incision.
