In adults, inguinal hernias that enlarge, cause symptoms, or become incarcerated are treated surgically. In infants and children, inguinal hernias are always operated on to prevent incarceration from occurring. Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies depending on the size of the hernia, the technique used, and the age and health of the patient.
The two main types of surgery for hernias are as follows:. In open hernia repair, also called herniorrhaphy, a person is given local anesthesia in the abdomen or spine to numb the area, general anesthesia to sedate or help the person sleep, or a combination of the two. Then the surgeon makes an incision in the groin, moves the hernia back into the abdomen, and reinforces the muscle wall with stitches.
Usually the area of muscle weakness is reinforced with a synthetic mesh or screen to provide additional support-an operation called hernioplasty. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and inserts a laparoscope-a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached to one end. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a monitor, giving the surgeon a close-up view of the hernia and surrounding tissue.
While viewing the monitor, the surgeon uses instruments to carefully repair the hernia using synthetic mesh. People who undergo laparoscopic surgery generally experience a somewhat shorter recovery time. However, the doctor may determine laparoscopic surgery is not the best option if the hernia is very large or the person has had pelvic surgery. Most adults experience discomfort after surgery and require pain medication. Vigorous activity and heavy lifting are restricted for several weeks. The doctor will discuss when a person may safely return to work.
Infants and children also experience some discomfort but usually resume normal activities after several days. Surgery to repair an inguinal hernia is generally safe and complications are uncommon. Knowing possible risks allows patients to report postoperative symptoms to their doctor as soon as they occur. Risk of general anesthesia. Before surgery, the anesthesiologist-a doctor who administers anesthesia-reviews the risks of anesthesia with the patient and asks about medical history and allergies to medications.
Complications most likely occur in older people and those with other medical conditions. Common complications include nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, sore throat, and headache. Hernias can develop in these or other areas due to straining, aging, injury, a prior incision, or a weakness present from birth. Anyone can develop a hernia at any age. Most hernias in children are congenital.
In adults, a natural weakness, heavy lifting, persistent coughing, straining with bowel movements or urination, can cause the abdominal wall to weaken, tear, or separate in these areas. Inguinal hernias are generally repaired if they are causing symptoms which affect daily activities. Inguinal hernias which do not cause symptoms may be observed, though the majority will cause symptoms within a few years. Your surgeon may decide with you that elective surgery is not the best decision based on your medical conditions, and may prescribe a truss.
A truss is an external belt which can hold the hernia in, thereby allowing you to continue with your daily activities. Robotic and Laparoscopic Hernia Repair are techniques which use small incisions, specialized surgical instruments, and often the use of mesh. Patients undergoing minimally invasive repairs usually benefit from an easier recovery, shorter return to work and normal activity, as compared to open repair.
Only after a thorough examination can your surgeon determine whether a minimally invasive hernia repair is an option for you. The operation may not be best for some patients, such as those with previous major abdominal operation or those with certain underlying medical conditions.
In preparation for your operation, you will need a physical examination. You may need other tests to make sure you are healthy to undergo the operation with anesthesia.
The surgeon who will do your hernia repair will inform you about the risks and benefits of the operation. You will sign a form confirming you understand and agree to the planned operation. The exact instructions depend on your surgeon, but here are some common things to do:. Inguinal hernia repair surgery can be performed under sedation, spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair most often requires general anesthesia. You will meet the anesthesia team on the day of your operation. The open approach is an operation involving an incision in the groin or the lower abdomen. A few days before surgery, your surgeon may order a pre-op exam consisting of blood tests, an EKG electrocardiogram , and a chest X-ray to be sure your heart and lungs are in good condition.
You may be instructed to stop taking some over-the-counter medications for a week to 10 days before surgery, such as aspirin or ibuprofen Advil , which can increase bleeding. Make sure your surgeon knows all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including natural or nutritional supplements. You may also be given a prescription for pain medication to take after surgery, in case you need it.
Sound easier than dealing with your hernia? It is. Now you can concentrate on your recovery and getting back to your life. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information. Your browser is out of date With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience. Your Hernia Surgery. Some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or live on their own.
Read more about recovering from an inguinal hernia repair. Open inguinal hernia repair is often carried out under local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic injected into the spine. This means you'll be awake during the procedure, but the area being operated on will be numbed so you will not experience any pain.
Sometimes a general anaesthetic is used. This means you'll be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon makes a single cut incision over the hernia. This incision is usually about 6 to 8cm long.
The surgeon then places the lump of fatty tissue or loop of bowel back into your abdomen tummy. A mesh is placed in the abdominal wall, at the weak spot where the hernia came through, to strengthen it. When the repair is complete, your skin will be sealed with stitches.
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