What is a hernia?

A hernia means something coming through. It most frequently occurs when an organ or internal tissue pokes through a hole or weakness in your abdominal muscle wall. Sometimes a hernia can be visible as an external bulge particularly when straining or bearing down.

Hernia surgery can help to relieve pain, return the hernia abdominal organs to their correct place and, strengthen the weak muscle area.

Hernia “keyhole” surgery may be less painful for men initially, but a new study shows that the standard, open-surgery technique is superior in terms of long-term effectiveness and safety.

Types of hernia?

Sometimes a hernia can be visible as an external bulge particularly when straining or bearing down.

Inguinal: occurs in the inner groin

Femoral: occurs in the upper thigh/outer groin

Incisional: occurs through an incision or scar in the abdomen

Ventral: occurs in the general abdominal/ventral wall

Umbilical: occurs at the belly button

Hiatal: occurs inside the abdomen, along the upper stomach/diaphragm

Who candidate for Hernia Surgery?

  • Tissue (such as the intestine) becomes trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called incarceration. If left untreated, it may lead to strangulation. That’s when the blood supply to the tissue gets cut off.
  • The hernia becomes strangulated. This can cause permanent damage or even death. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or nausea, sudden pain that gets worse, or a hernia that turns red, purple, or dark. You’ll need emergency surgery.
  • The hernia causes pain or discomfort, or it’s growing larger.

Pre-OP  for Hernia Surgery?

  • Stop aspirin and aspirin type products such as Bufferin, Advil and most anti-arthritis medication at least seven (and preferably fourteen) days before surgery.
  • Gently wash the area of proposed surgery with HIBICLENS starting 48 hours ahead of time. Do not shave the area. This will be done on the day of surgery.
  • Eat normally on the night before surgery but take no alcohol after 8 PM and nothing to eat or drink after 12 midnight except prescription medications.

Hernia Surgery procedure

A hernia operation usually takes around an hour as a day case procedure. It can be performed by:

  • Open surgery – under local or general anaesthetic, an incision usually around 2.5 to 3 inches is made to your skin near your hernia and your surgeon will push your hernia back into your abdomen. The incision is then either stitched closed or much more commonly a mesh is placed over the hole and fixed using fine stitches. The mesh acts like a scaffold and your own tissue will grow through the mesh to reinforce the weakened area without putting tension on the surrounding tissues.
    • Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery – under general anaesthetic, several smaller incisions are made to allow your surgeon to use a less invasive technique using various special instruments including a tiny telescopic camera to repair your hernia. A mesh may then be used to strengthen your abdominal wall. 

Post-OP  for Hernia Surgery

  • Full cardiac and oxygen saturation monitoring for 24 hours.
  • Hourly temperature for 4 hours or until stable, then 4 hourly.
  • Hourly blood pressure for 4 hours or until stable, then 4 hourly.
  • Blood gas on return from theatre, thereafter as per medical orders.
  • After 24 hours observation should be according to the infant’s general condition.

Side effect and recovery Hernia Surgery

This type of operation is normally very safe. But like all surgeries, having your hernia removed comes with a number of possible complications. They include:

  • Infection of the wound
  • Blood clots: These can develop because you’re under anesthesia and don’t move for a long period of time.
  • Pain: In most cases, the area will be sore as you heal. But some people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after surgery for a groin hernia, for example. Experts think the procedure may damage certain nerves. Laparoscopic surgery may cause less pain than an open procedure.
  • Nerve damage: Your stitches or staples may press on a nerve. Or a nerve might get trapped during the surgery. If you feel sharp or tingling pain, tell your doctor. You may need another procedure.
  • Recurrence: The hernia could come back after the surgery. Research shows that using mesh can reduce your risk of this happening by half.