About Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when part of the stomach lining or intestine bulges through a tear in the muscle wall. Hernias produce pain and make it hard to accomplish everyday tasks. Hernias can interfere with blood flow and cause blockages in the intestines. The four main types of hernias are Inguinal, Femoral, Hiatal and Umbilical. A herniorrhaphy is the surgical procedure performed to correct a hernia. The surgery is performed when a hernia significantly impairs a person's daily life.

Types

• The herniorrhaphy is performed in one of two ways: an open repair, or laparoscopically.
  Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and offers quicker recovery time. This is the preferred method for hernia repair. If you have undergone previous abdominal surgery, or have certain medical conditions, you may not be a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. In this case, an open repair will be used.

Identification

• Laparoscopic hernia repair consists of three or four small incisions cut into the abdomen. Surgical instruments will then be inserted through tubes into the abdomen. A camera will also be inserted with which the surgeon will view the hernia and other organs on a video monitor in the operating room. Gas is used to aid the viewing. The surgeon will then work through the incisions to repair the hernia by suturing a piece of mesh over the tear and securing it with surgical staples.
  An open repair is done from the outside in. The surgeon will cut a three to four inch incision wherever the hernia is located. The incision will cut through all the layers of skin and fat allowing the surgeon to see the tear. Then mesh is applied to repair the hernia.
  An open repair can also entail the surgeon pushing the protruding tissue back into place and pulling surrounding muscle to cover the tear, then sewing it together.

Time Frame

• A herniorrhaphy takes between 30 minutes to one hour to complete. Younger patients have shorter surgical times.

Considerations

• Most patients can return to everyday activities such as showers and driving within a few days. While you may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, any strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for six to eight weeks.
  Avoid taking baths for the first few days after surgery because the water can cause the skin tape to release and the wound to open.

Warning

• If you experience nausea or vomiting. fever and chills, incision drainage, severe or persistent pain, or an inability to urinate you should contact your physician right away.