What is the chance of a hernia recurrence?
How often does the hernia come back after it has been fixed? It is not possible to answer that question accurately. It depends on the type of hernia, the condition of the patient generally; and his tissues in particular. The experience of the surgeon also is obviously a factor. In adults, hernias that require only a correction at the ring (so-called indirect hernias) recur in fewer than one instance in ten. However, where the whole base of the area has to be rebuilt (so-called direct inguinal hernias), the long-term recurrence rate can be on the order of two in ten. Can you prevent the hernia from coming back by use of plastic materials for reinforcement? Can you promise that I'll be cured? Plastic materials are sometimes necessary and can help in the recurrent or long-neglected situation. They are required only in about one in one hundred groin hernias. Even in these instances most surgeons prefer to take reinforcing tissue from the patient's thigh rather than to put in...