A hernia is when an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak area of the muscle or abdominal wall surrounding it. Usually the hernia appears as a lump or bulge in the abdomen or groin, which is more apparent when you are coughing, lifting, standing or straining. Some hernias are not very painful or only become apparent later, but they can grow larger or cause more symptoms with time. If you have a bulge, pain, heaviness or discomfort that won’t go away, a hernia repair specialist can diagnose the condition and find the right treatment.
What is Hernia Repair?
Repair of Hernia Hernia repair is a surgical procedure to repair the weakness in abdominal wall so that the hernia does not bulge out again. The operation consists of pushing the bulging tissue back into position and strengthening the weakened area.
The type and location of the hernia determines the type of surgery to repair it. The surgery can be either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Many repairs can be performed with a surgical mesh to strengthen the weak area, but the exact course of action depends on how the patient is doing and the surgeon’s judgment.
Common Types of Hernia
Hernias may occur at different sites of the abdominal wall. Some types commonly treated are:
- IInguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incision Hernia
- Ventral Hernia
- Femoral Hernias
- Epigastric Hernia
- Recurrent hernia
When Does a Hernia Need Treatment?
Treatment for a hernia and the symptoms you may experience will depend on the type and size of the hernia.
Not every hernia needs to be repaired right away. The doctor will consider the size of the hernia, symptoms, overall health and risk of complications before recommending treatment.
If a hernia is painful, growing, interfering with daily activities or at risk of developing complications, surgery may be considered. Sometimes the contents of an untreated hernia can become trapped and affect the blood supply to the contents requiring emergency treatment.
If your hernia suddenly becomes very painful, hard, tender or cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting or other severe symptoms, you must seek urgent medical assessment.
Open Repair of Hernia
Open hernia repair involves making an incision near the hernia to access the weak area. The bulging tissue is pushed back and the abdominal wall fixed.
A mesh may be inserted to reinforce the repaired area and to decrease the chance of recurrence. The type and characteristics of the hernia will dictate the type of mesh and the exact method of repair.
Open surgery is still a known treatment for most hernia types and may be recommended according to the patient’s particular circumstances.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic hernia repair, or keyhole surgery, is performed through several small cuts through which a camera and specialized surgical instruments are inserted.
The surgeon views the affected area on a screen, repositions the hernia contents, and reinforces the weakened area, often using mesh. Laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate for all patients. The surgeon will take into account the type of hernia, previous abdominal surgery, general health and other clinical factors before recommending laparoscopic surgery. For some patients, advantages of less invasive surgery and a quicker return to normal activities are not an option with open surgery. Each patient recovers differently.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Hernia?
Physical examination is often the first step in diagnosing a hernia. The doctor will examine the swelling when you are standing, and when you are coughing or straining.
If the diagnosis is unclear or the doctor needs more information about the abdominal wall then they may suggest imaging. This could be an ultrasound or CT scan.
A comprehensive assessment enables the hernia repair specialist determine the location, size and type of hernia and if surgery is needed.
What Happens During Hernia Surgery?
The exact procedure varies with the type of hernia and the surgical approach.
The surgeon will usually:
- Opens or cuts into the hernia.
- Gently put the tissue back in place.
- Repairs and reinforces a weak abdominal wall.
- Properly sets the net.
- Surgical incision closes.
Open surgery is done through a larger incision directly over or near the hernia and laparoscopic procedures usually involve multiple small incisions in the abdomen.
Recovery After Hernia Repair
The kind of hernia you have, the kind of surgery you have, your overall health, and whether you have any complications will determine your recovery.
Post Surgery Soreness, swelling, bruising or discomfort around the surgical site is normal. Following the surgeon’s instructions on wound care, medications, activity, and follow-up appointments can aid recovery.
NHS guidance says that on average it can take around 4 to 6 weeks to recover from an inguinal hernia repair, but recovery times can vary from person to person.
Patients should not participate in strenuous activity or heavy lifting until cleared by their surgeon.
Why Visit an Expert Hernia Specialist?
The management of a hernia is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and is based on an individual assessment. Your hernia surgeon will examine the hernia and talk about treatment options.
If you’re looking for a hernia repair surgeon, you might want to consider how experienced they are with different types of hernia, how familiar they are with open and minimally invasive techniques, the hospital’s facilities and how they approach post-operative care.
The aim is to choose a suitable treatment plan for the patient’s condition and general health.
Is it possible to prevent a hernia?
Not all hernias can be prevented, especially those that happen because of natural weaknesses of the abdominal wall. Maintaining a normal body weight, treating a chronic cough or constipation, using proper lifting techniques and any prescribed medication can help to reduce the strain on your abdominal wall.
If you have a hernia, changes to your lifestyle may help control some risk factors, but they will not fix the underlying defect in your abdominal wall. Consult a medical evaluation to determine if treatment is necessary.
When to see a doctor?
If you see: Get medical help:
- A new lump or a growing lump in the abdomen or groin
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Pain when coughing or lifting A swelling that can not be pushed back
- Pain near the hernia that increases over time
- Increasing tenderness around the hernia
Urgent medical assessment is needed for sudden severe pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling or a hard hernia that cannot be pushed back, which can be a sign of a serious complication.
Get the Right Guidance for Hernia Treatment
Find the right advice Ignore a persistent hernia at your peril especially if it is becoming painful or enlarging. Initial assessment gives information about the type of hernia and whether observation or operative repair is indicated.
If you experience a hernia, seek the advice of a qualified hernia repair specialist for an accurate diagnosis and individualised guidance for treatment.
