Symptoms · After hernia repair
Pain or a lump at the site of a hernia repair
The short answer
Soreness, bruising and a firm ridge along the wound are normal for several weeks after hernia repair. Some people have longer pain in the groin or belly wall, which is usually temporary. A new bulge, pain that is getting worse, redness, fever or a swelling that grows needs a doctor's review. Go to the emergency room if the bulge is hard and very painful, or if you have vomiting with a swollen belly.
How patients describe it
- A lump at my scar after the hernia operation
- A pulling feeling in the groin
- Burning or numbness near the wound
- A bruise that spread
- The hernia seems to be back
Contact your surgeon the same day if you have
- Fever above 38°C, or redness and pus at the wound
- A new bulge at the repair that is hard and painful
- Vomiting, or a swollen belly with no wind or stool (go to the emergency room)
- Pain that is getting worse after the first week
- Swelling or severe pain in the testicle after a groin hernia repair
What can cause it
Normal healing
Soreness, a firm ridge along the wound, and some bruising that spreads and fades over weeks.
Next step: Walk daily; take painkillers as prescribed.
A collection of fluid or blood (seroma or haematoma)
A soft swelling under or near the scar. It happens in about 3–6 in 100 people and usually settles by itself.
Next step: Examination; see your surgeon if it grows.
Nerve irritation
Burning, tingling or numbness near the wound. It is usually temporary.
Next step: Time; see your surgeon if it persists.
Wound infection
Spreading redness, warmth, increasing pain, pus or fever.
Next step: Call your surgeon the same day.
The hernia coming back
A bulge appears again at the repair. It happens in about 2–5 in 100 people after keyhole groin repair.
Next step: See your surgeon for an examination and an ultrasound.
What you can do now
- Walk every day, and avoid heavy lifting for as long as your surgeon advised, usually 4–6 weeks
- Support the wound with a pillow when you cough or get up
- Prevent constipation and avoid straining
- Take painkillers as prescribed
- Note when the pain began and where it is, and tell your surgeon
Tests your doctor may order
- Examination of the wound and the repair
- Ultrasound if there is a swelling or the hernia may have returned
- Rarely, a CT or MRI scan
When is surgery needed?
- Most discomfort settles without treatment.
- A hernia that comes back may be repaired again.
- Pain from a nerve that lasts can be treated with medicines or injections, and rarely with surgery.
Questions people ask
How long is pain normal after hernia repair?
Soreness within the first few weeks is normal. Pain that is getting worse, or lasts longer than expected, should be checked.
Is a lump at the wound normal?
A firm ridge, or a soft swelling that is fluid or bruising, is common. Have it checked if it grows, becomes red, or is painful.
Can the hernia come back?
It can, but not often: about 2–5 in 100 after keyhole groin repair, and more often after open repair.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.