For open hernia repair, the surgeon makes a single cut over the hernia. The hernia sac is removed and the hernia defect is then closed. Often, a piece of thin soft mesh is placed over the hernia location to strengthen the wall of the area. For groin hernia repair, this can be done with local anesthesia and twilight sedation. General anesthesia is usually not needed.   Routine sensory nerve cutting is not done.