Open hernia surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure. A local anaesthetic (meaning you will be awake but the area being operated on will be numb) may be recommended if you have higher risks associated with a general anaesthetic.
A tension free mesh repair is the gold standard for repair of single (unilateral) primary groin hernias. The inguinal hernia is repaired by making a 6 to 8cm incision in the groin skin crease, the external layers of the abdominal wall are opened, the inguinal hernia sac is identified and carefully dissected away from sensory nerves, the blood vessels and spermatic cord that pass down to the testicle. The sac is then usually tied off and a synthetic mesh is overlaid to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevent recurrence of the hernia. The abdominal wall is closed in layers including the skin with dissolvable sutures. Skin glue is usually used over this to seal the area.
The technique takes about 60 minutes to perform, you will usually be able to go home 2 to 3 hours after the operation, when you have passed urine and are mobilising safely.