Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Port Charlotte, FL
An inguinal hernia happens when fat or part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the groin. It is the most common type of hernia, and it does not heal on its own. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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Symptoms of an inguinal hernia
- A bulge in the groin or scrotum that may disappear when you lie down
- Aching, heaviness or burning in the groin
- Discomfort that gets worse with lifting, coughing or standing for a long time
- Some hernias cause no symptoms and are found on an exam
When to see a surgeon
See a surgeon for any new groin bulge, or for a known hernia that is growing or getting in the way of work, exercise or daily life. Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes firm, very painful or discolored, cannot be pushed back in, or comes with nausea, vomiting or trouble passing gas or stool.
What to expect
Your surgeon examines the area and reviews your symptoms; imaging is only sometimes needed.
Most repairs are done laparoscopically (a few small incisions and a camera) or through one small open incision, usually reinforced with surgical mesh. Your surgeon explains which approach fits you.
Most planned repairs are outpatient, so you go home the same day.
Recovery
Walking is encouraged right away. Expect soreness for several days, managed with the medicines your surgeon recommends. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive, return to work and lift heavier objects.
Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical
John Guarino M.D., F.A.C.S., Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.
Frequently asked questions
Will an inguinal hernia go away on its own?
No. A hernia does not heal by itself. Some hernias stay small for a long time, but they do not close without repair.
Do I need surgery right away?
Not always. If a hernia is small and causes few symptoms, your surgeon may discuss watchful waiting. Surgery is usually recommended when a hernia is painful, growing or limiting your activities. A hernia that becomes firm, very painful or cannot be pushed back in is an emergency.
How is an inguinal hernia repaired?
Most repairs are done either laparoscopically (through a few small incisions with a camera) or through one small open incision in the groin, usually with surgical mesh to reinforce the weak area. Your surgeon will explain which approach fits your hernia and health.
Will I go home the same day?
Most planned inguinal hernia repairs are outpatient procedures, so most patients go home the same day.
When can I get back to normal activities?
Walking is encouraged right away. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive, return to work and lift heavier objects, which depends on the type of repair and your job.
Related services
Schedule a consultation
Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.
Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.