Hernia-What is it?
However, not every hernia requires immediate treatment. It is based on the symptoms and size.
Why do I need Hernia Surgery?
A hernia repair surgery includes pushing the bulge back within the body part that should have it and keeping it there. Your specialist will likely suggest surgery if any of the below occur:
- Tissue (like the intestine) gets trapped in the abdominal wall. This is known as incarceration. If it remains untreated, it may progress to strangulation. That is when the blood supply to the tissue cuts off.
- If you have a strangulated hernia, it may cause permanent damage and hence, requires an immediate surgery. Strangulated organs, often your intestines, will die, and if not removed swiftly, you can get severely ill. Contact your doctor immediately if you have nausea or fever, sudden pain that becomes worse, or a hernia that becomes purple, red, or dark.
- The hernia causes discomfort, pain, or it is growing larger.
You may wait to have surgery if:
- Your hernia disappears when you are lying, or you can push it back in your belly
- It is small and brings few or no symptoms (these may never require surgery)
Consult your specialist. They will control your hernia in your yearly physical.
Nearly all adults and children can go for hernia surgery.
If you are severely ill or frail, you may choose not to get the surgery. Your doctor helps you weigh the procedure’s benefits against your ability to heal.
Now that you know when one requires surgery, let us understand the types of hernia surgery.
Types of Hernia Surgery
Open surgery
Your specialist will carry out an open surgery procedure in the following steps:
- You will get general anaesthesia before an open surgery procedure
- The specialist makes an incision (cut) to open your skin
- They will gently push the hernia back into its area, tie it off, or remove it
- Then, they will close the weak muscle area, where the hernia pushed through using stitches
For bigger hernias, your specialist may add a piece of flexible mesh for excess support. It will help keep the hernia from returning.
Laparoscopic surgery
Your specialist will carry out a laparoscopic surgery procedure in the following steps:
- During this procedure, your abdomen is inflated using a harmless gas. This provides the specialist with a better appearance of your organs
- After that, they will make a few tiny cuts (incisions) around the hernia
- They will insert a thin tube using a small camera on end (laparoscope)
- The surgeon utilizes laparoscope images as a guide to fix the hernia with mesh
For a laparoscopic procedure, you will get general anaesthesia. Recovery is faster using laparoscopic procedure: On average, patients return to their routine a week sooner than an open procedure.
The form of surgery you will need usually depends on your hernia’s type, size, and location. Your specialist will consider your lifestyle, age, and health.
Even though hernia surgery is beneficial and comforting, it does have some risks.
What are the Risks of a Hernia Surgery?
Hernia surgery usually is safe. However, like all procedures, getting your hernia removed comes with a lot of possible problems. They involve:
- Wound Infection
- Blood clots: These can grow because you are under anesthesia and do not move for a long time.
- Pain: In many cases, the place will be sore as you recover. However, few people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after a procedure for a groin hernia. Experts believe the surgery may damage some nerves. Laparoscopic procedures may bring less pain than open surgery.
- Recurrence: The hernia can return after the procedure. Research suggests that utilizing mesh can decrease your risk of this occurring by half.
Now that you understand why you need hernia surgery get in touch with a specialist. They can help you learn more about your condition and whether surgery can give you relief.