Wound infection - occurs in about 5% of cases. It is usually superficial and settles rapidly with antibiotics. Rarely an abscess may form which requires a second operation. The mesh may become infected in less than 0.5% of cases and may need to be removed.

Damage to nerves - as mentioned above the ilio-inguinal nerve may be damaged. This causes numbness in 15-20% of cases. The area affected usually gets less with time. In 5% of cases damage may cause chronic pain. This may need a second operation to cut the nerve or referral to the pain clinic in an attempt to control the pain. The risk of chronic pain is les with laparoscopic repair.

Recurrence - this is not much of an issue nowadays with mesh techniques. The rate is approximately 1-2%.

Bleeding - this may present as excessive bruising or as a collection of blood under the wound (haematoma). This may need a second operation to remove the blood. I laparoscopic surgery the bruising will usually settle into the scrotum. It is harmless and will clear in a couple of weeks.

Seroma - this is collection of clear fluid under the wound and may occur in 10% of cases. Usually it is small and not noticeable. If larger it may be drained with a needle and syringe. Sometimes an operation is needed to correct the problem. 

Urinary problems - usually this presents with not being able to pass urine. A tube (catheter) may be needed to drain the urine from the bladder for a short time.

Constipation

Osteitis pubis - this is inflammation of the pubic bone and causes pain. Steroid injections may be needed to settle this problem.

Testicle problems - In 0.3-5% of cases the testicle may become inflamed, swell and cause pain. It may also shrink in size. These problems are due to interference with the blood supply to the testicle.

Vas - this is the tube that takes sperm from the testicle to the penis. it may be cut or become blocked. This is a rare problem.

Deep vein thrombosis - this is possible after any surgery and is avoided by rapidly returning to normal walking.