In an article by London hernia expert Arjun Shankar, “Latest Expert advice on Surgery for Hernias” we find out what a hernia is and how unless treated properly they can recur and cause complications. Surgical expertise and experience is naturally the most important factor to determine whether the operation is successful first time.
If the groin hernia recurs then any subsequent re-repair is far more complex. Once a repair has been performed the anatomy of the groin is permanently changed with dense scarring around the groin structures. This is why it is so important to reduce recurrence rates to the lowest level possible. The scarring found makes identification of the anatomy far more difficult and hence complication rates are far higher. Nerves are more commonly damaged and the risk of injuring the blood supply to the testicle is not insignificant (up to 5% in some series).
This article is important for any patient who finds that they have done themselves an injury as it will inform the choice of treatment.
