A hernia happens when a tear in weakened abdominal wall separates and allows a section of intestine to protrude through the muscle. The bulging tissue is the hernia. When the hernia occurs in the groin area, it is called an inguinal hernia. A hernia may cause no pain or bothersome symptoms. Other times, the hernia may become trapped and begin to lose blood flow to the tissue. Symptoms of a strangulated hernia include continuous pain and redness. Although an operation can fix the hernia, complications may occur following the surgery.
Bleeding
Bleeding may occur immediately after surgery. The surgical area may appear bluish in color or swell if the bleeding is internal. If the surgeon performs the surgery with a laparoscope, the change of bleeding postoperatively decreases because of the small incisions used during the procedure.
Infection
After an inguinal hernia repair, an infection may occur. Symptoms of an infection include a fever, increased pain in the surgical area, redness or drainage from the site. A fever over 101 degrees needs medical evaluation for possible antibiotic therapy. Pain is expected postoperatively, but pain that increases or that is not relieved with pain medications needs evaluation for a possible infection. Although possible, an infection following hernia repair occurs in less than 2 percent of patients, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC).
Scar
The incision from the hernia repair may form a scar. For some individuals, the scar tissue may cause pain. The pain will usually resolve itself over time, according to NDDIC.
Injury
During the inguinal hernia surgery, injury may occur to other internal organs. Organs such as the intestines, kidney, blood vessels and bladder risk possible injury. Repair to the injured organs occurs before completing the operation. Continued complications may occur depending on the severity of the injury and the location.
Recurrence of the Hernia
After the inguinal hernia repair is complete, the hernia may recur. A recurrence of the hernia is a common complication of the condition. Surgically placing a mesh patch placed at the site of the weakened abdominal muscle helps prevent the hernia from recurring.
Difficulty Urinating
Following surgery, difficulty urinating is a common complication, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Placing a urinary catheter temporarily may help relieve this complication.
