Summary
Inguinal hernias are the most common hernias of the abdominal wall, with men being affected much more frequently than women. It is a displacement of abdominal contents outside the abdominal cavity. The aim of the treatment is to close the hernia gap permanently.
This is achieved surgically, although – especially in high-risk patients – conservative treatment can also be considered. The operations of inguinal hernias are routine procedures. There are different methods to close the hernia gap.
Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, which patients should discuss with the treating surgeon before surgery. The risks of the operation are also discussed during this informative talk. Complications of the surgical treatment are rare. In about 5% of the cases a hernia occurs again, sometimes even after decades (medically recurrence).
