Inguinal hernia - choices?

[Jules59]

...(when key hole fails simply switch to open and have to administer General Anaesthetic)....

You may have got confused with "open surgery under local anaesthesia" and "keyhole surgery".

"keyhole surgery " aka laparoscopic surgery requires general anaesthesia so that the anaesthetist can ventilate you whilst you are lying on your back in a head down position with your abdomen inflated with gas.

[djnotts]

...(when key hole fails simply switch to open and have to administer General Anaesthetic)....

You may have got confused with "open surgery under local anaesthesia" and "keyhole surgery".

"keyhole surgery " aka laparoscopic surgery requires general anaesthesia so that the anaesthetist can ventilate you whilst you are lying on your back in a head down position with your abdomen inflated with gas.

Very likely - good few years ago! Should have left it at when keyhole fails simply switch to open. Although would then have to administer more GA.

[toontra]

You may find this useful in the discussion with the surgeon about which method he or she will use.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inguinal- ... t-happens/

Ah - really useful - thanks. One of the relevant sections is:

The British Hernia Society recommends using the open technique to repair most primary single-sided hernias (those appearing for the first time on just one side).

This may well be why my consultant is suggesting open rather than keyhole.

[iseree321]

A bit late reply, but I'd like to add that whatever you do, don't put hernia mesh implants.
Many hernia mesh manufacturers have faced lawsuits (see here) over the years due to allegations that their products use substandard materials or designs that can lead to serious complications for patients. These complications may include chronic pain, infections, and even the need for additional surgeries to correct issues caused by the mesh.

[toontra]

Too late for me. I had the mesh implant last November. There is certainly some ongoing discomfort which I hadn't anticipated or been warned about.
However, at no point in the lead-up consultations was it suggested there was any alternative to mesh. It was made out to be a simple routine procedure with a very high success rate.
We'll see how things progress. I had the operation done at a highly reputable private hospital which is a recognised centre of excellence for hernia treatment (at great personal cost!). I can't really believe they would be carrying out procedures they knew were risky.

[Jdsk]

A bit late reply, but I'd like to add that whatever you do, don't put hernia mesh implants.
Many hernia mesh manufacturers have faced lawsuits over the years due to allegations that their products use substandard materials or designs that can lead to serious complications for patients.

Too late for me. I had the mesh implant last November. There is certainly some ongoing discomfort which I hadn't anticipated or been warned about.
However, at no point in the lead-up consultations was it suggested there was any alternative to mesh. It was made out to be a simple routine procedure with a very high success rate.
We'll see how things progress. I had the operation done at a highly reputable private hospital which is a recognised centre of excellence for hernia treatment (at great personal cost!). I can't really believe they would be carrying out procedures they knew were risky.

I wouldn't worry about it, but if you do then I strongly suggest discussing it directly with them.

If anyone would like the current NICE guidance please say.

Jonathan

[djnotts]

I had mesh, open surgery, local anaesthetic, some 15 years ago. All has been fine.

[Ajcw]

I spotted this as I have one now and want to keep cycling to retain my fitness until I have an op so it is reassuring to read some of these posts.
I had an inguinal hernia op with open surgery in September 2019 and was walking albeit carefully, the following day. I just took it easy for a few weeks afterwards as you can feel slight pulling on the repair as you increase exercise levels. Even 4 years later I still feel occasional pulling from the mesh. For context, I am 64 and my main exercises are cycling (2-3 hours a couple of times each week), swimming, yoga and weights (not big ‘uns).
I have had a second hernia now on the opposite side hence my interest in cycling to keep in shape pre-op.
My first scar is barely visible. As I understand it too, an open op can be done under local anaesthetic whereas most keyhole ops are, I believe, under general anaesthetic.

[toontra]

As I understand it too, an open op can be done under local anaesthetic whereas most keyhole ops are, I believe, under general anaesthetic.

My open op was done under general anaesthetic. Maybe it depends on size and exact location - which would be revealed in the pre-op scans.

I also feel a slight pulling one year on which comes and goes - mainly dull but sometimes a sharper jab similar to the post-op sensations. This usually happens in the gym when doing ab-related stuff. On that basis I'm going to ask my GP to refer me for an ultrasound just to check that everything is as it should be.

Are you getting it done on the NHS? I couldn't wait 18 months so went private. £4,500 all told.

[djnotts]

I successfully argued for local rather than general on grounds of my COPD. The Anaesthetist tried his best to scare me into a GA but I wasn't having any of it! They are always best avoided if possible!