Inguinal Hernia Repair–Bilateral (Open)

Inguinal Hernia Repair – Bilateral

A Bilateral Inguinal Hernia is the presence of two inguinal hernias on both sides of the pubic bone. A Bilateral Hernia is caused much the same way as an Inguinal Hernia when there is a weakness in the abdominal muscles. This weakness can develop because of poor fetal development or stress in the abdomen. The stress in the abdomen can result from anything from strenuous work, cough, constipation, weight gain, to pregnancy. Men acquire Inguinal Hernias more than women do because of the way the testicles form, moving down the inguinal canal, and creating gaps in the abdominal muscle.

• Definition: Simultaneous Right and Left Inguinal Hernia
• Common in children and elderly men
• If a left Inguinal Hernia is present, there is a 25% risk of an occult right inguinal hernia.
• Both Inguinal Hernias may be repaired with one surgical procedure at the same time.

Preparation for Inguinal Hernia-Bilateral Surgery

When you meet with your doctor before the surgery:

• Bring a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Make sure you ask for instructions about which medications you need to stop taking before surgery.
• Usually, this includes drugs that interfere with the blood’s ability to clot, such as aspirin.
  Ask your doctor for specific instructions regarding the procedure and your medical condition.
• You will probably be advised to stop eating or drinking after midnight on the night before your surgery.
• You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after surgery.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about surgical procedures

What’s not included:

• Lab testing before and after the surgery, as needed
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), depending on age. If you had one elsewhere in the past 6 months and it read “normal”, we can forego this expense.
• Imaging costs. X-rays and MRIs can be obtained anywhere.
• Physical therapy services
• Medications you’ll need (oral or IV antibiotic infusions if an infection arises)
• Wound care
• Bracing supplies
• Additional doctor visits (a pre-operative visit with the surgeon, in person, and any required post-op follow-ups after the suture removal to monitor your progress
• Additional surgical intervention if a complication arises
• Additional imaging or hospital care if a blood clot develops

Procedure for Inguinal Hernia-Bilateral Repair Surgery

Bilateral Hernias can be repaired through traditional open surgery using two incisions, or in a single laparoscopic procedure.
Open Surgery: General anesthesia will be used, so you will not be awake during the surgery. Your surgeon might decide on a local anesthesia if the hernia is small. In this case, you will be aware, but will receive medications to numb the pain and help you relax. The surgeon will make an incision, locate the hernia, and separate it from surrounding tissues. The herniated tissue will be pushed back into place in your abdomen. Stitches will be used to close up the tear or strengthen weak abdominal muscles. Sometimes mesh is attached to strengthen the abdominal tissues and reduce the risk of another hernia.
Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy can be used when the hernia is small in size and easy to access. This method leaves smaller scars than regular surgery, and recovery time is faster. The procedure is the same as for open surgery, only using a laparoscope and miniaturized instruments.

What to expect after your surgery

Recovering from Inguinal Hernia Repair-Bilateral Surgery

You will probably be encouraged to get up about an hour after surgery. Men sometimes have difficulty urinating in the hours following surgery, but this can be relieved with a catheter (a tube that drains urine from the bladder). This surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure. If you have traditional surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery. With laparoscopy, you will probably be able to get back to your normal activities within a few days.

Inguinal Hernia Repair-Bilateral Risk Factors

• Risks involved in any surgery include:
• Breathing difficulties
• Bleeding
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia and other medications
• Infection
• There are also some risks specific to Inguinal Hernia repair. For example:
• The hernia may eventually come back.
• You may experience prolonged pain at the site.
• There could be damage to blood vessels. In men, the testicles could be harmed if the connecting blood vessels are damaged.
• There could be nerve damage or damage to nearby organs.

Prevention and Outlook of Bilateral Inguinal Hernia

Early treatment can help cure Bilateral Inguinal Hernias. However, there is always the slight risk of complications, such as infection after surgery, scars, and the recurrence of the hernia. Call your doctor if you experience new symptoms or if side effects occur after treatment. Although you cannot prevent genetic defects that may cause the hernias, you can possibly lessen their severity by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a high-fiber diet
• Not smoking
• Avoiding heavy lifting

How are follow-up and initial consultations handled?

In-person and telehealth consultations are possible with the surgeon to whom your case is assigned. The initial visit is included in the surgical package and is valued at $375.
We can also obtain the flights from the volunteer pilot nonprofit if you’d like to come for initial and follow-up visits in person. One follow-up visit is included in the surgical package at a value of $175. Any additional visits are charged at the time of service to your credit or debit card.