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Inguinal “Groin” Hernia Repair Surgery

Inguinal Groin Hernia Repair Surgery

At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this surgery and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the surgery and how you can help.

Fast Facts About Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery

  • An inguinal hernia is an opening in the belly wall near the groin. The groin is the place where the lower abdomen or belly meets the thigh. Fluid or intestines can pass through this opening if it is left untreated.
  • Inguinal hernia repair is an outpatient surgery that will be done at the Same Day Surgery Center at Children’s Hospital in Lawrenceville or at Children’s North.
  • Your child’s surgery will be done under general anesthesia, which means that he or she will be sound asleep during the surgery.
  • When general anesthesia is needed, there are special rules for eating and drinking that must be followed in the hours before surgery.
  • During the surgery, your child will be given numbing medication—either an injection in the low back called a caudal   or directly into the incision or cut—to relieve discomfort after surgery.
  • Hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed on children and teens.
  • The surgery takes about 45 minutes, but recovery from the anesthesia might take several hours.