Risks and Considerations of a Hernia Repair

• The patient may develop chronic pain. This involves some degree of pain over a course of longer than 3 months post-op. While this is a relatively uncommon complication, in our experience <10%, it is probably the most controversial and least well-known of all. Luckily, for most patients, conservative management of the pain is enough to allow it to resolve on its own over time
• The hernia may recur (return). This is more common in tension (sutured repairs).
• The hernia mesh may may become infected and require removal.
• There is a risk of blood loss.
• Hernia surgery requires anesthesia.

The surgeon’s experience in repairing hernias, as well as their case volume, is one of the most accurate determinants of the ultimate success of the procedure. As with any surgery, heightened experience allows a surgeon to better identify and mitigate the potential risks of surgery.