Inguinal hernia repair (hernioplasty)

A hernia can be caused by congenital defects, genetic predisposition, obesity or weakening of the abdominal wall for other reasons, excessive physical exertion (for example, repeated heavy lifting), prolonged constipation, chronic cough, trauma, pregnancy, or surgery.

Usually, one feels a lump in the groin, which is painless, shrinks when lying down, and, on the contrary, enlarges when standing, coughing and sneezing. Symptoms also include pressure or mild pain in the abdomen (usually after exertion, prolonged walking, or standing), burning, and a feeling of tension. In men, an inguinal hernia may result in swelling in the testicular area when the scrotum is dislocated, while in women, there may be a bulge in the pubic area, pain in the anus, and burning.

For a confirmed inguinal hernia, the only effective treatment is laparoscopic surgery, which is more gentle than conventional surgery. It is performed through several small incisions in the abdominal wall, where the hernia is pulled back into the abdomen and the hole is closed with a special patch made of modern material. This type of surgery leaves the patient with only a small scar and recovery time is much shorter.

In some cases, it is preferable to operate through a classic external incision. In this case, we remove the hernia sac and suture the hole through which the hernia passed, sometimes again with the help of a patch (mesh). In our clinic we perform both typyes of abdominal hernia surgery, and you can consult our surgeon regarding your chosen surgical method.

In the evening after the operation, the patient gets out of bed and is given fluids, and on the first day after the operation he/she is given broth. The patient walks freely around the clinic, can take a shower and, if there are no complications, goes home. It is advisable to wear a hernia belt in the first weeks after surgery to support the abdominal wall and assist wound healing. At home, one can gradually switch to a normal diet.

Wounds are dressed and sutures removed one week after surgery. Staying home from work is usually recommended for two to three weeks after surgery, depending on the type of work performed.

After the procedure, avoid physically demanding activities, including sports activities and heavy lifting, for 2 to 3 months.

Preoperative preparation includes internal preoperative examinations, blood and urine lab tests, and other examinations as necessary. It also includes a summary of previous illnesses, a list of medications being taken, allergies, and an assessment of the risks associated with general anaesthesia.

The patient usually comes in for the planned procedure on the day of the surgery to keep the hospital stay as short as possible. From midnight the night before the operation, the patient must not eat or drink and must avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. If medication is required, the attending physician must be consulted.

Jewellery, contact lenses and dentures must be removed before the procedure. No make-up or nail polish may be worn.

The price range for the procedure is from CZK 55.000 to CZK 95.000, including anesthesia (or analgosedation) with post-procedure rest/hospitalization. We offer a price discount of up to 50% for the use of available dates.