Hernia Repair Procedures

A hernia, a condition in which the organs in one cavity bulge out through a muscle wall and into other areas, can occur in many areas, but generally do so in the abdominal cavity. Many hernias are asymptomatic and therefore not diagnosed until there is a complication. If these abnormal bulges cut off blood circulation, they turn into medical emergencies. Nearly all hernia patients require surgery.

• Hernias can occur just about anywhere but they often occur in the lower abdomen.

Hernia Symptoms

• Hernias can present themselves in several ways depending on the type and severity of the hernia. You may notice a new lump or bump in your groin or stomach. A lump from a hernia will increase when you cough. It may also be painful but not necessarily tender to the touch. Serious hernias may also come with nausea or vomiting symptoms. If you notice a new lump that is tender to the touch and cannot be pushed back into the skin, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosis

• In some cases, your health care provider may be able to examine you and diagnose you with a hernia immediately. This is especially true if you are otherwise healthy. However, if your hernia has not reached the emergency stage or if you have several other health problems, you health care provider may do an ultrasound or X-ray to identify the hernia.

Non-Surgical Repair

• Most hernia cases require surgical repair. Patients who have health complications and mild hernias may be allowed to use abdominal binding techniques to keep the hernia from worsening. However, this is only for those for whom surgery might be more detrimental than beneficial. When you are healthy enough for surgery, you will be advised to do so even if your hernia is not a medical emergency yet. Hernias do not heal on their own and only get bigger. The bigger they get the more likely it will cut off circulation and cause complications.

Surgery

• Before surgery you will be given a sedative and general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision over the hernia. Once inside, he will place the tissue or organ back into the muscle wall. Then he will repair the muscle wall, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh material, and close the incision. This is called open hernia surgery. There is another option called laparoscopic hernia repair, in which the surgery is done with telescopic tools that require smaller incisions.

Recovery

• Hospital time will be minimal in open hernia surgery. In laparoscopic hernia repair, it may be nonexistent. However, with either procedure, you will need about two to four weeks to recover completely. Avoid heavy lifting or intense straining for up to two months after your surgery because it can rupture your hernia repair. Your health care provider will also advise you not to take a bath for about a week after surgery. Soaking can weaken the wound closures and open the wound.