Hernia Surgery
Read about Gallbladder Surgery here.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or another body part against the wall that usually contains it. Hernias are usually the result of weakness in the muscle wall, tissue, or membrane. They occur more frequently in certain parts of the body such as the abdomen, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. They can also develop along scar tissue from previous operations. There are many different kinds and treatment options for hernias. Keep reading for more information about hernias.
Hernia types
There are different types of hernias based on their location. Common types of hernia include:
Inguinal Hernia – occurs more commonly in men where it appears in the groin area due to weakness in the abdominal wall where the spermatic cord moves through.
Femoral Hernia – occurs more commonly in women and in older patients. It typically appears as a bulge in the upper thigh, and consists of intestine, or another part of the abdominal contents, which has been forced out of the abdomen through a channel called the femoral canal.
Umbilical Hernia – occurs around the belly button where the belly button is an “outie”. It can be there from birth or developed because of straining the abdominal wall.
Incisional Hernia – occurs due to scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery that is weaker than its surrounding muscle.
Hernia treatment
Hernias will not heal by themselves and usually require surgery because they have a high chance of becoming strangulated and cutting off blood supply to various organs. The surgery can be performed either as an “open” or “keyhole” (laparoscopic) surgery. Hernia repair rarely requires an overnight stay in the hospital.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery and Open Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope (guided camera) is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision (keyhole). The surgeon makes three small incisions over the abdomen. Once the keyholes are placed, the instruments are then inserted to repair the hernia. A mesh is placed in through the top keyhole and fixed into the abdominal wall to strengthen the repair and help prevent more hernias in the future.
For some patients, laparoscopic surgery is not an option and an open hernia surgery must be done. This is usually due to a previous surgery which makes keyhole surgery impossible or dangerous. In open hernia surgery, a large incision is made on the abdomen and the bulge is moved back into place.
The surgery that is right for you will be determined during a physical exam with your surgeon who will likely use imaging such as ultrasounds and CT scans to determine the best course of action for you.
What you can expect after Hernia Surgery
You will be given pain medication to manage the pain and should be able moving around that same day. You will likely experience swelling in the area where the hernia was but this will go away. Bruising is also normal and should go away after 1-2 weeks. Dressings stay in place for 1 week and recommendations around a return to your usual activity will be clearly discussed. Read about wound care here.
I practice out of Orbe Surgeons at Mater Private and Gold Coast Private Hospitals. Get in touch below.