1. < Prostate Cancer

How many here developed an inguinal hernia after Prostate surgery?

Posted by tomf @tomf, Jul 5, 2023

My wife was tyrannical making sure I did not overexert for my first 6 weeks post op and even then I was very careful not to overdo. Yet I developed an inguinal hernia anyway. The studies show this happens about 15-20% of the time depending on the surgery being robotic or open. Was I just unlucky or did many of you develop inguinal hernias too? And if you developed one, did you follow up with surgery to repair it?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

philipsnowdon | @philipsnowdon | Jan 19 1:37pm
In reply to @tomf "It's been almost a year since my RALP surgery and two days ago I had my..." + (show)
@tomf

It's been almost a year since my RALP surgery and two days ago I had my right inguinal hernia repaired laparoscopically. It went well and recovery is smooth so far. I am writing for a few reasons. First, I truly believe the hernia, which didn't exist before the surgery was at least partially caused by the prostatectomy ( input of gas, rummaging around, who knows?) but no one wants to own up to it. That's understandable, and a fair trade off to get rid of the cancer. Second, the surgery is harder for the doctor because of the scar tissue left behind after the prostate removal. But my surgeon was experienced and prepared for it. Third is the effect so far on my incontinence.... the surgery may have helped me somehow. Maybe it is because I am very carefully standing and sitting and moving around, but I have been drier these last two days than any of the last 12 months. Now I must admit I was doing well in Pelvic floor therapy prior to pausing it this week and I had progressed quite a bit on the road to dryness. But I am wondering if the added mesh support down there is helping somehow. Perhaps my bladder is aligned in a better position now? I have my fingers crossed and wonder if any of you experienced this too?

Jump to this post

Hello,
I already had an inguinal hernia on my right side before my RALP was performed on 10/25/23. The surgery definitely exacerbated my hernia. I have a torn hip labrum on the other side. I’ve avoided surgery on both by getting steroid shots every 4 to 8 months to control the pain and discomfort. Due to some other long term disabilities, I’ve not been able to do any exercise or other athletic activities other than walking. As a result, I don’t physically stress the hernia or hip labrum like I would if I was participating in some sporting or other athletic activities. If I was in that arena I would have had corrective surgeries done long ago!
Best wishes

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.