What to do when one has a Hernia?

If you have discomfort, swelling or a bulge stomach in your lower abdomen or groin tendon, it may be an inguinal hernia. Here at Vermont Urgent Care, our board-certified doctors provide traditional and state-of-the art laparoscopic choices to provide for an effective, safe hernia repair.

What Is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia happens when a portion of tissue, like part of the intestine, pushes through a weak point in the abdominal muscles in the groin area. This condition is quite prevalent among men. And if it’s not treated, it can even worsen over time.

Symptoms may include:

  • A bulge that is apparent in the groin 
  • Pectineus muscle pain or discomfort on bending, coughing or lifting 
  • Weight or fullness in the lower abdomen 
  • In men, swelling around the testicles

Who Needs Hernia Surgery?

While not all hernias require immediate surgery, bassini repair is recommended if:

  • The hernia is painful or growing
  • Daily activities are disrupted
  • There’s risk of strangulation (when blood flow is cut off)

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the U.S. and offers long-lasting relief.

Types of Inguinal Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

  • Minimally invasive with small incisions
  • Faster recovery and less postoperative pain
  • Often performed under general anesthesia

Open Hernia Repair

  • Traditional approach through a single larger incision
  • Often used for larger or recurring hernias
  • Local or general anesthesia

Robotic Hernia Surgery

  • Advanced precision using robotic instruments
  • Ideal for complex or bilateral hernias

Our team customizes the approach based on your health, hernia size, and lifestyle.

What to Expect During Surgery

Step-by-Step Overview:

  1. Anesthesia administered
  2. Small incisions or one open cut made
  3. Hernia contents gently repositioned
  4. Reinforcement with surgical mesh
  5. Incisions closed with dissolvable sutures

Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours

Success Rate: Over 95% for primary hernia repair

Recovery and Post-Op Care

Timeline:

  • Return home the same day
  • Light activity after 2–3 days
  • Resume work within 1–2 weeks
  • Full physical recovery: 4–6 weeks

Tips for a Smooth Recovery:

  • Wear loose, supportive clothing
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects
  • Follow post-op dietary guidelines
  • Attend follow-up appointments

Common Questions

Generally, it is 1-2 weeks before returning to full activities. 4–6 weeks should be abstained from excessive activity.

Mesh is often used to decrease the chance of the hernia coming back. You also have choices for non-mesh, if needed.

Yes. Hernias can compress the intestines and produce digestive problems.

Try eating light, high-fiber meals. Stay away from heavy, oily or gassy foods.

Some pain is to expected and it will usually subside in a few weeks. Contact us if pain persists.

Why Choose Vermont Urgent Care?

  • Board-certified hernia specialists
  • Advanced laparoscopic and robotic capabilities
  • Short wait times and flexible scheduling
  • Compassionate, multilingual staff (Spanish, Farsi, Armenian)

We’re committed to delivering high-quality surgical care with minimal disruption to your life.

Book Your Hernia Evaluation Today