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The only practical option is an operation. The use of a truss (a surgical belt) is not recommended as they frequently do more harm than good.
Inguinal (groin) hernias traditionally have been repaired by bringing the torn muscles and ligaments together by layers of stitching. This has now largely been superseded by the mesh hernia repair whereby a sheet of synthetic material is stitched like a patch or net over the area of weakness.
The mesh is made of a plastic-type material and does not dissolve but is gradually incorporated into the tissues. It cannot be felt.
The skin wound will be closed with a dissolving stitch that does not have to be removed.
How is the operation done?
A date for surgery is usually agreed in clinic. After this, full instructions and documentation will be sent out by the admissions office.
There is no preparation for a hernia operation other than to shave the skin at the operation site. You will be assisted by the nursing staff.
The operation may be performed under general ("asleep") or local ("awake") anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is to be preferred in most instances unless there is a specific medical contra-indication as it is more relaxing for both patient and surgeon. In order to have a general anaesthetic, your stomach must be completely empty for at least 6 hours prior to the time of operation (no food or drink).
Hernia operations take from 45 minutes to 1 hour to perform. At the end of the operation, local anaesthetic will be injected into the wound to minimize pain. Sometimes after groin hernia, this results in numbness or even weakness spreading down the leg which resolves after a few hours.
What can I expect afterwards?
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