Chronic Pain After Hernia Repair
Pain after hernia surgery affects a small but important group of patients. While most recover quickly, some experience ongoing discomfort requiring specialised assessment and treatment.
Is Pain After Surgery Normal?
Some discomfort is expected after hernia repair and is part of the normal healing process. This usually improves over the first few weeks.
When pain persists beyond this period, it may represent chronic postoperative pain.
Why Does Pain Occur?
- Nerve irritation or entrapment
- Scar tissue affecting surrounding structures
- Mesh-related irritation
- ACNES or abdominal wall nerve entrapment syndromes
These conditions can mimic other causes of abdominal or groin pain, making accurate diagnosis essential.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis relies on careful clinical assessment rather than imaging alone.
- Detailed history and examination
- Identification of trigger points
- Targeted local anaesthetic injections
Treatment Options
- Physiotherapy and conservative management
- Targeted nerve injections
- Medications for nerve pain
- Surgical release or neurectomy
- Revision surgery or mesh removal (selected cases)
Specialist Hernia Pain Care
A/Professor Hugh McGregor has extensive experience in the management of chronic groin pain and post-hernia repair pain syndromes.
This includes nerve entrapment conditions such as ACNES and AWNES, requiring specialised diagnostic and surgical techniques.
His practice provides access to advanced treatment options not widely available elsewhere in Australia.
Get Expert Advice
If you are experiencing ongoing discomfort after hernia surgery, expert evaluation is essential.
With the correct diagnosis and treatment, many patients achieve significant relief and return to normal activities.
Call Dr Watson
Call A/Professor McGregor
Visit HerniaPain.com.au