How many people die each year having hernia repairs?

Almost: Zero. Unless the surgery is being performed due to some type or emergency or bowel strangulation, or if there are multiple underlying severe medical problems, the risk to one's life for hernia surgery would be near zero risk. Ask your own surgeon & anesthesiologist your risk category.

Unknown : The numbers are actually unknown, partly because it is difficult to know the exact number of hernia repairs. Current estimates are around one million abdominal wall hernia repairs per year in adults. Given the wide variety of complexity and urgency, there are bound to be some patients that don't make it through the operation and/or recovery period. The vast majority however do not die from hernia repair.