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Hernia Surgery Information

When you develop a hernia, an opening develops within the muscular structure of your abdomen. As a result, a bulging will be created within the abdominal wall. A complication can result from a hernia if tissue becomes trapped by the hernia. This complication is known as incarceration. If the tissue becomes trapped or incarcerated, surgery may be necessary in order to prevent death of the tissue or damage to yourself. Depending on the type of hernia, various surgery options are available.

  1. Standard Repair

    • With a standard repair, the hernia is separated from normal tissue. A piece of either plastic or screen-like mesh is sewn into the surrounding defected area of the hernia site. The mesh is permanent, and it allows for a normal healing process. If the hole of the hernia site was sutured closed without a mesh, the body would eventually create a new hernia due to bodily exertion. Once the hernia has been repaired, the body is closed with sutures that are absorbed into the body.

    Laparoscopic Repair

    • With laparoscopic surgery, an incision is made in your abdomen. Your doctor then inflates your abdomen with air to get a better view of your abdominal organs. A laparscope (a lighted scope) is inserted into the incision. According to Kaiser Permanente, instruments are placed into smaller incisions within your abdomen. These instruments repair your hernia, and once the repair is completed, a mesh is placed over the defected area. As a result, the mesh will reinforce the defected area within your abdominal wall.

    Herniorrhaphy

    • With this procedure, an incision is made in your groin. According to the Mayo Clinic, intestines that are protruding are pushed back into the abdomen. Any weakened or torn muscles are then repaired and sewn. This type of surgery is performed if you have an inguinal hernia. With an inguinal hernia, tissue pokes through a weak point in your abdominal wall. A herniorrhaphy is necessary to prevent the strangulation of tissues, which can result in tissue death.

    Danger Signs

    • After you have had a hernia repair, it is important to watch for signs of an infection. What is normal is bruising, slight swelling at the incision site and slight drainage that is either pinkish or reddish. A lump may be noticeable under or near the incision. This is also normal. However, if you begin to develop a fever above 101 degrees F, have excessive drainage, redness at the incision site and excessive nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention, as this is not normal.

    Complications from Hernia

    • It is important that if you have been diagnosed with a hernia that needs repair to promptly fix the hernia. Complications from an unfixed hernia can lead to bleeding and anemia. If hernias become exceedingly large, according to the Mayo Clinic, more than one-third of your stomach can push itself into your diaphragm. As a result, pressure can be placed onto your lungs and diaphragm. Another complication resulting from the stomach protruding into your chest cavity is that part of the stomach becoming twisted. Blood flow can then become restricted to the rest of the stomach, which can result in serious complications. Other complications can include gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can lead to backed up stomach acid within your esophagus, difficulty in eating and swallowing and scarring and inflammation of the esophagus.

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