Hernia Surgery
Abdominal hernias occur when a sac, that may contain fat or bowel, passes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall. Such hernias, or ruptures, may first become apparent as a lump or the area may be painful. The hernia may disappear when the patient lies flat. The most common hernias are groin hernias and include inguinal hernia and femoral hernia. They occur in both men and women. Other common sites where hernias may occur are around the umbilicus or at a point some distance between the umbilicus and the breastbone.
How do you get a hernia
Congenital hernias are present at birth. Somtimes they are the result of an injury , related to sport or heavy lifting. Individuals who have a persistent cough or need to strain to pass urine or stool can develop hernias.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occors when some of the contents of a cavity, usually the abdoinal cavity, protrude through the wall of that cavity. The problem with hernias is that they can increase in size and become painful. They also may become irreducible or strangulate. Patients with hernias are best seen by surgeons who deal with this condition and who will be able to discuss with them the pros and cons of surgical repair (herniorrhaphy).
Inguinal hernia
Iguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia in men and women, although it is more common in men. It is a weakness in the wall of the canal through which the testicle descends (or would if present in women). It may become apparent because of pain or a lump in the groin.
Femoral hernia
The fermoral hernia is another type of groin hernia and the same problems can arise as with other hernias.
Umbilical hernia
An umbilical hernia is one that develops through the belly button, at a point of weakness where the umbilical cord was during development. Hernias near but not exactly through the belly button are known as paraumbilical hernias.
The operation
Abdominal hernias can be treated surgically, if appropriate. Surgery is undertaken because the hernia is already causing problems or to prevent the problems occurring in the future. Techniques for their repair include laparoscopic (telescope) procedures or open procedures through a cut in the groin. For inguinal hernias, the most common abdominal hernia, it is my preferred practice to undertake a Lichtenstein mesh repair which involves pushing the hernia back and reinforcing the canal with a piece of mesh that is then sutured in place.
Every operation has a slight risk involved with it but the vast majority of patients have no problem. The potential risks and complications that I would discuss with you are those of haemorrhage, infection, recurrence and pain.
Recovery
On most occasions the patient can be treated as a day case, provided there is a responsible person to collect them from Hospital and be with them for the first post-operative night. Normal daily activities are possible almost straight away with the post-operative pain being controlled by painkillers. I caution against driving for two weeks, in case there are problems applying pressure to the pedals should an emergency stop be required. The level of physical activity can be increased slowly over the subsequent weeks and usually the patient is back to full activities by six to eight weeks.
Choosing Surgery South West
Anthony Lambert is an established general surgeon who regularly performs hrnia surgery in both the private sector and in the NHS. On most occasions the patient can be treated as a day case, provided there is a responsible person to collect them from Hospital and be with them for the first post-operative night.
Please feel free to contact us for more information or discuss how we might help you. We would love to hear from you.
Common questions (FAQ)
How long does the operation take?
About 60 minutes, if you include the anaesthetic time.
When can I leave hospital?
When you have woken from your anaesthtic you will be offered something to eat and drink. After about 2 hours, you should be able to go home with a responsible adult.
How long before I can go back to work?
Depending on what your work is, most people can comfortably return to non-manual work at 2 weeks.
When can I go to the gym or play sport?
This varies a litle between individuals but the average time is about 6 weeks after your operation.
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