About Hernia
Hernia is a medical condition that occurs when fatty tissues push through weak canals in the body causing ruptures to the surrounding connective tissue or muscle wall. An organ can also press on connective tissues in a Hernia condition. Hernias don’t get fixed on their own. In spite, with time, they get bigger.
Is Hernia a serious condition?
In some of the rarest cases, Hernia can culminate into life-threatening complications. For such reasons, doctors often recommend surgery for treating hernia. But do not be alarmed. Not every hernia needs immediate surgical treatment. The surgery depends on the size and symptoms of the hernia. If your hernia is asymptomatic, then it doesn’t need treatment.
For treatment, you can repair a hernia by pushing the bulge back inside the body part containing the hernia using mesh. The goal is to push it inside and keep it there.
Is Hernia Surgery necessary?
- When Hernia Surgery becomes eminent:
The necessity of the hernia surgery depends on your doctor. He can recommend surgery if any of these situations occur:
- Incarceration: This is the condition in which the intestinal tissues become trapped in the abdominal wall. If such a situation is left untreated, it can lead to intestinal strangulation and cut off the blood supply to the tissue.
- Intestinal Strangulations: when the hernia becomes strangulated, it can cause permanent damage. Such a condition is a surgical emergency. If your organs get strangulated, your intestines will die. If not removed quickly, the patient can become seriously ill. If you feel fever, nausea, or sudden pain that gets worse with an intestinal bulge, or if the hernia bulge is turning red, purple, or dark, then contact your doctor right away. Hernia causes severe pain or discomfort or grows larger without treatment.
2. When Hernia Surgery isn’t Necessary:
The need for surgery to treat Hernia is not evident in the following cases:
- Recurrent Hernia: Hernia goes away when lying down, or pushing back into the belly. This is also called reducible hernia
- Small Hernia: Such a hernia is small and insignificant. It causes few or no symptoms. No surgery is required in such cases.
You can consult with your doctor to monitor your hernia condition periodically.
Is Hernia surgery fit for all?
Hernia Surgery is safe for nearly all children and adults. In case you are severely ill or frail, the doctor may advise you not to have an operation and can weigh the benefits of the procedure against your ability to recover.
Types of Hernia Surgery
You can get your hernia removed in one of two ways at a hospital or surgery center. After the procedure, you can go home within a few days or even on the same day as your procedure. The types of hernia surgeries are as follows:
- Open Surgery
In an Open Surgery, first, you will receive general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon will perform an incision to open your skin to gently push the hernia back into place, tie it off, or even remove it. After that, they’ll close the weak area of the muscle from where the hernia was pushed through using stitches. In the case of larger hernias, the surgeon can add a piece of flexible mesh to provide extra support and keep the hernia from coming back.
- Laparoscopic Surgery
In this surgery, the surgeon will inflate your abdomen with a harmless gas, so that he or she can have a better look at your organs. Thereafter, the surgeon will make a few incisions or cuts near the hernia, and insert a thin tube with a tiny camera on the front end known as the laparoscope. The images from the laparoscope will guide the surgeon to repair the hernia with a mesh support. In laparoscopic procedures also, you’ll receive general anesthesia.
Why do people prefer Laparoscopic Surgery over Open one?
People prefer laparoscopic surgery because recovery is usually faster in it. Patients can get back to their normal routine a week earlier than in the case of an open surgery. The type of surgery best suitable for you will depend on the following factors, considering your lifestyle, health, as well as age:
- Size of the Hernia
- Type of the Hernia
- Location of the Hernia
Non-Surgical Hernia Treatments
For non-surgical solutions, your physician may prescribe you to wear a corset, binder, or truss. All of these are supportive undergarments that apply gentle pressure on the hernia to keep it in place. Such garments can ease the discomfort or pain of the patients. You can use them if you aren’t able to have surgery, or as a temporary relief procedure. But we advise you to wear them under the doctor’s supervision.
FAQs
What is a hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery is a medical procedure employed to place back the intestinal bulge emanating out of the body due to improper exertion.
What are the common types of hernias that require surgery?
Incisional hernias and large hernias are some of the serious hernias that must be repaired right away as they can enlarge over time and cause immense pain and light-threatening situations.
How do I know if I need hernia surgery?
If you have a pre-existing hernia, and start feeling feverish, nauseated, or experience sudden pain in the abdomen that gets worse, or if the hernia bulge is turning red, purple, or dark, then you must immediately seek out hernia surgery.
What are the risks associated with hernia surgery?
Although hernia operations are normally very safe, they can come with possible complications, such as infection from the wound, blood clots due to prolonged anesthesia exposure, pain in the surgery area, and recurrent hernia after surgery.
What is the recovery process like after hernia surgery?
The recovery begins within two weeks after surgery. You can return to work in the first few weeks, although you may need more time if your job is manual laboring. In such cases, you can begin with gentle exercises, such as walking. You must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Are there different surgical techniques for hernia repair?
There are two types of surgical techniques employed in hernia repair, i.e., open surgery and laparoscopic surgery.
How long does hernia surgery typically take?
The hernia operation performed under general anesthesia takes about 30 minutes to an hour for a repair to both sides. The surgeon makes small cuts on or near your belly button to insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity for inflation purposes.
Will I need anesthesia for hernia surgery?
Yes, general anesthesia is usually employed in all kinds of hernia operations.
Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes I should make before hernia surgery?
Every to-be-operated hernia patient must follow a strict diet regime before surgery. Hernia can easily cause you uncomfortable acid reflux symptoms, so avoid things that cause heartburn, like caffeine, as well as citrus, spicy, or fatty foods.
What questions should I ask my surgeon before hernia surgery?
Types of Surgical Repairs for Hernia
Which type of hernia repair I need
Benefits of Robotic Hernia Repair
Potential Complications of Hernia Surgery
Stay in the hospital during treatment
Period of Recovery
Details of prescription pain medication
Chances of hernia recurrence post-surgery
Deciding on the quality surgeon for Hernia Repair
Location of the Surgical Operation
Need for referral for Hernia Repair