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 abdomen 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 abdomen 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 be probably 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.

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.

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.