Complications following hernia repair include:

Recurrence <2% in the short term but this can increase to 5-10% over a long period of follow-up

Bleeding leading to haematoma which usually resolves spontaneously but occasionally may require aspiration/operation

Spermatic cord damage

Wound infection

Urinary retention

Chronic groin pain - this has been found to be more common in patients who have significant pre-operative pain, younger patients and those who have operations for recurrent hernias

Testicular atrophy