[Postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair]

Most complications after inguinal hernia repair are transitory and do not affect the functional outcome. On the other hand, some last longer or become permanent and will be a daily problem for the patient as well as the attending physician. Most prevalent and difficult to treat is pain. Bruising and hematoma are banal and usually resolved spontaneously. Infection can prolong care and promote recurrence. Recurrence seems less frequent after mesh repair, whether by traditional or laparoscopic surgery. Potential complications specific to laparoscopic hernia repair, rare but sometimes severe, must be weighed against the benefits expected by the patient. The patient must be duly informed of the risks and advantages of each technique, whether traditional, laparoscopic, with or without prosthetic material.