When selecting the type species hernia surgery need to consider several factors: the risk of recurrence , safety (risk of perioperative complications), postoperative recovery and quality of life (return to work , chronic pain), difficulty of operation ( "learning curve" = technical difficulty for the surgeon ) and the cost of performance. The European hernia society in general finds that the operational methods using meshes tend to result in fewer recurrences than surgery without a mesh.

It is difficult to predict when and where a hernia will occur, the lifetime risk of inguinal hernia for men is 27%. Direct inguinal hernia typically occur in men over 40. Men may also experience any type of ventral abdominal hernia, including incisional, epigastric, and umbilical.   

The table below gives you a rough guide to the period of convalescence you will need after your operation before you return to work. These times are relate exclusively to operations in which a hernia mesh was used.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

The aorta is the largest artery in your body, and it carries oxygen-rich blood pumped out of, or away from, your heart. Your aorta runs through your chest, where it is called the thoracic aorta. When it reaches your abdomen, it is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta supplies blood to the lower part of the body. In the abdomen, just below the navel, the aorta splits into two branches, called the iliac arteries, which carry blood into each leg.

What is aortoiliac occlusive disease?

Aortoiliac occlusive disease occurs when your iliac arteries become narrowed or blocked. The aorta, your body's main artery, splits into branches at about the level of your belly button. These branches are called the iliac arteries. The iliac arteries go through your pelvis into your legs, where they divide into many smaller arteries that run down to your toes. Aortoiliac disease is considered a type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) because it affects arteries, which are blood vessels that carry blood away from your heart to your limbs.

What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?

Your arteries carry blood rich in oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body. When the arteries in your legs become blocked, your legs do not receive enough blood or oxygen, and you may have a condition called peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes called leg artery disease.

Key facts

• An estimated 265 000 deaths every year are caused by burns – the vast majority occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity.
• Burns occur mainly in the home and workplace.
• Burns are preventable.