Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

Inguinal hernia surgery is a surgical procedure performed to prevent abdominal organs from protruding through a weak point in the abdominal wall. The aim is to repair the hernia sac and prevent pain and complications in the patient.

In the treatment of inguinal hernia, open and laparoscopic surgical methods are used. The laparoscopic technique is performed through small incisions and allows the patient to return to daily life more quickly. The method to be chosen is determined according to the patient’s condition.

Things to pay attention to after inguinal hernia surgery include avoiding heavy lifting, exercising regularly, and using the recommended medications. Protecting the stitches during this process is also critical for healing.

Recurrent inguinal hernias may be seen especially in individuals with weak connective tissue. In such cases, additional surgical interventions may be planned and synthetic mesh materials may be preferred to strengthen the groin area.

You can contact Prof. Dr. Ebru Soy, one of the doctors performing Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Ankara, to get information about Inguinal Hernia Surgery prices, the process, and the hospital where Inguinal Hernia Surgery is performed.

What Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

We can liken an inguinal hernia in its simplest form to a balloon bulging outward from a weak point of a car tire that has lost its strength. Our abdominal wall is also a layer consisting of muscle and connective tissue. When a weakness occurs at any point in this wall, with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, internal organs such as the intestines are pushed outward through this weak point within a sac. This is what we call a hernia. Inguinal hernia surgery is the art of repairing this “bulging” tire, that is, the tear, with a safe and solid method.

In fact, a hernia usually occurs with the combination of two main elements. The first is a pre-existing weakness in the foundation; the second is a factor that strains this weak foundation.

There are some structural reasons underlying the weakness in the foundation:

• Congenital patency of the canal (especially in men)
• Genetic predisposition inherited from the family
• Structurally weak connective tissue
• Loss of tissue strength with aging

When factors that increase intra-abdominal pressure are added on top of this weak foundation, herniation can become inevitable. These factors are:

• Chronic and severe cough
• Chronic constipation causing constant straining
• Uncontrolled heavy lifting with improper technique
• Straining to urinate due to reasons such as prostate enlargement
• Pregnancy

When these two mechanisms combine, that is, when an abdominal wall that is structurally weak is exposed to constant pressure, a hernia occurs. The basic logic of surgery is to break this cycle by permanently strengthening this weak point.

It should not be forgotten that not every hernia seen in the groin region is the same. The most common ones are “indirect” and “direct” inguinal hernias. There is also “femoral hernia,” which is more common in women and has a much higher risk of strangulation. The presence of this hernia makes the decision for surgery more urgent and definitive, especially in female patients.

In Which Cases Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery Performed?

When a diagnosis of inguinal hernia is made, the first question that comes to mind is “Should I have surgery immediately?” The answer to this question varies depending on the person and the condition of the hernia. This decision is made as a result of a detailed discussion between you and your surgeon.

If your hernia causes pain, burning, or a feeling of pressure in the groin, swells during the day and disappears when you lie down in the evening, and negatively affects your quality of daily life, the most appropriate approach is to have a planned surgery. Because a hernia that causes complaints does not heal over time; on the contrary, it can grow and pave the way for more serious problems.

In some cases, the decision for surgery is more definite and waiting is not recommended. These situations are as follows:

• All groin hernias diagnosed in female patients
• All femoral hernias diagnosed regardless of sex
• The hernia gradually enlarging over time and descending into the scrotum
• The hernia restricting daily tasks or social life

What about emergencies? Sometimes a hernia can turn into a condition too serious to wait for planned surgery. This condition, known as “strangulated hernia,” is a life-threatening surgical emergency. When the intestine within the hernia sac becomes trapped in the hernia opening and can no longer go back in, “incarceration” (entrapment) occurs first. This leads to intestinal obstruction. If this entrapment continues, the blood circulation of the intestine is impaired and “strangulation” (impaired blood supply) develops. This means the intestine can become necrotic.

Signs that may indicate an emergency include:

• Sudden onset pain in the hernia area that progressively worsens
• The swelling in that area not going back in despite manual pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to pass gas and stool
• Redness or bruising of the skin over the hernia swelling

If any of these symptoms are present, it is vital to apply to the nearest emergency department immediately.

What Are the Risks of Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, inguinal hernia surgery has potential risks. However, thanks to today’s modern techniques and anesthesia options, these risks are quite rare and manageable. We can examine the risks under two headings: general and those specific to hernia surgery.

There are general surgical risks that can be seen in all operations.

• Wound infection
• Accumulation of blood in the surgical area (hematoma)
• Accumulation of body fluid in the surgical cavity (seroma)
• Undesired conditions related to anesthesia
• Formation of blood clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis)

There are also some special risks that may be directly related to inguinal hernia surgery:

• Recurrence of the hernia in the same area (recurrence)
• Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months after surgery
• Damage to or entrapment of sensory nerves in the area
• Injury to the vessels feeding the testicles or the spermatic cord (very rare in male patients)

Today, the issue surgeons focus on the most is preventing chronic pain rather than recurrence of the hernia. Technical details such as the type of mesh used, how the mesh is fixed, and carefully protecting the nerves during surgery are of great importance to minimize this risk. Seroma and hematoma seen in the postoperative period are usually absorbed by the body over time and rarely require an additional intervention.

How Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery Performed?

There is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” approach in inguinal hernia surgery. Surgery is planned in a completely “personalized” manner. The most suitable method for you is determined by considering the condition of your hernia, your general health conditions, your lifestyle, and your surgeon’s experience in this field. Basically, there are two main surgical approaches: Open Surgery and Closed (Laparoscopic/Robotic) Surgery.

Open Surgery (Lichtenstein Method)

This method is the most commonly performed technique worldwide and is considered the “gold standard.” The hernia area is reached through an approximately 5–6 cm incision made in the groin region. The hernia sac is found, and the organs inside are gently pushed back into the abdomen. Then, a synthetic mesh is placed over the weakened or torn area in the abdominal wall to reinforce it. This mesh is fixed to the surrounding tissues with sutures. Over time, your body weaves its own tissue into this mesh, creating an extremely strong and permanent repair layer. The fact that it can be performed under local anesthesia is an important advantage for patients who carry a risk with general anesthesia.

Closed Surgery (Laparoscopic and Robotic Methods)

In this approach, instead of a large incision, a high-resolution camera and special surgical instruments are inserted through several small (0.5–1 cm) openings made in the abdominal wall. The repair is performed from behind the abdominal wall, that is, from the inside. The basic philosophy of this method is based on the principle that covering a punctured tire from the inside with a much wider patch will provide a stronger repair than from the outside. The herniated area is covered with a wide mesh laid from the inside. This mesh adheres in place almost by itself thanks to intra-abdominal pressure and provides a very strong repair.

Closed methods have many important advantages:

• Significantly less postoperative pain
• Much faster return to daily life and work
• Better cosmetic results thanks to smaller incisions
• Ability to repair bilateral inguinal hernias in a single operation
• An ideal option for patients who have previously had open surgery and experienced recurrence
• Allowing the detection and repair of a femoral hernia that might be missed in female patients

Robotic Surgery is actually the most technologically advanced form of the laparoscopic method. The surgeon controls robotic arms via a console. The three-dimensional, magnified image provided by the robot and instruments that can even mimic the wrist movements of the human hand offer great precision and control to the surgeon, especially in patients who have had prior surgeries, have challenging anatomy, or have additional surgical history such as prostate surgery.

Postoperative Process After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Just as important as a successful surgery is the postoperative recovery process. Knowing what you should pay attention to during this period helps you get through the process more comfortably and smoothly. Most patients can return home on the day of surgery or the next morning.

It is normal to feel pain during the first few days after surgery. This pain can be easily controlled with simple painkillers prescribed to you. Getting up and taking short walks the day after surgery accelerates blood circulation, reduces the risk of clots, and contributes to your recovery. A special diet is generally not required, but it is important to consume plenty of fluids and high-fiber foods to avoid constipation.

You need to gradually increase your activity level in the postoperative period. There are some general rules regarding this:

• Resting and light activities at home during the first few days
• Starting short, slow-paced walks immediately
• If you have a desk job, generally returning to work within 1–2 weeks
• Avoiding lifting more than 10 kilograms for 4–6 weeks
• Avoiding sports that strain the abdominal muscles (sit-ups, weight lifting, etc.) for 4–6 weeks

These periods are critical for the mesh to integrate with the body tissue and for the repair to become as strong as possible.

Even if everything is going well, in some cases you may need to contact your doctor. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult your surgeon without delay.

• Fever exceeding 38.3°C
• Increasing pain, swelling, or redness in the surgical area
• Purulent, yellow-green, or foul-smelling discharge from the wound site
• Persistent nausea, vomiting, or inability to pass gas

What Should Those Who Have Undergone Inguinal Hernia Surgery Pay Attention to?

After you have had surgery and completed the recovery process, making some lifestyle changes to protect this repair for life will minimize the risk of recurrence of the hernia. This is like protecting the “health investment” you have made:

The most important points to pay attention to in the long term are:

• Learning the correct lifting technique (bending the knees and putting the load on the legs)
• If you are overweight, reaching your ideal weight and maintaining it
• If you smoke, quitting smoking completely
• Getting chronic cough due to diseases such as COPD under control
• Avoiding constipation by eating plenty of fiber and drinking enough water
• Developing healthy and balanced eating habits
• After recovery is complete, doing regular exercises to strengthen the core area

Remember that when performed with the correct technique and in experienced hands, inguinal hernia surgery is a highly successful treatment that relieves you of pain and significantly improves your quality of life. Following your doctor’s recommendations in the postoperative period will ensure that this success is permanent.