When To Call A Professional

Contact your doctor if you develop a lump, tenderness or a persistent feeling of heaviness in your groin area. In babies and young children, call your doctor promptly if you notice a lump in the child's groin or scrotum.

Prognosis

Hernia surgery is very safe and usually quite effective. Depending on the location and size of the hernia and what technique is used, up to 10% of hernias may develop again at some point in the future.

After open surgery, the patient usually is able to resume normal activities within one to two weeks. For laparoscopic surgery, full recovery generally takes one week or less. After any hernia surgery, the patient should avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks (or as the doctor directs) to allow muscle and tissues to heal completely.

Additional Info

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse 2 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892-3570 Toll-Free: (800) 891-5389 Phone: (301) 654-3810 Fax: (301) 907-8906 http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm/

American College of Surgeons (ACS) Office of Public Information 633 North Saint Clair St. Chicago, IL 60611-3211 Phone: (312) 202-5000 Fax: (312) 202-5001 http://www.facs.org/