What is Hernia Repair?
Hernia repair is a surgical procedure done to correct an
abnormal bulging of the internal organs through a weakness
in a muscular wall. The intestines are often the organs
involved in this procedure.
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Effects of Hernia Repair
Hernia repair procedures are performed mostly to relieve
pain and swelling, as well as eliminate the chances of
strangulated hernia.
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Candidates for Hernia Repair
Candidates for hernia repair are those suffering from large
bulges through a small hole (due to restricted blood flow or
even blocked intestines); those with painful hernia; or
other symptoms that interfere with your lifestyle.
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Your
Consultation
During consultation, standard tests may be necessary to
measure your complete blood count and electrolyte levels, as
well as a urinalysis. Additional tests may be required
according to a patient’s condition and age.
Before the operation, you will be asked to change in a
surgical cap and gown, receive a sedative by injection, and
have a needle placed in the back of your hand or in your
forearm for connection to an intravenous line in the
operating room. The area where your incision will be made
will be shaved. You may be given a local, spinal, or
general anesthetic depending on your age, overall health,
the procedure's degree of difficulty, and your surgeon's
preference. The hernia repair procedure usually takes less
than two hours.
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The Hernia Repair
Procedure
The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision
over the hernia. The bulging tissue or organ is then
replaced inside the muscle wall, the muscle tissue is then
repaired, and the skin is closed. A small piece of plastic
mesh is used to repair the defect in the muscle tissue in
most inguinal hernia repairs.
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Recovery
There are no restrictions for small children after a hernia
repair, but older children should not engage in contact
sports for at least 3 weeks to avoid wound opening. Adults
should avoid heavy lifting or straining for 6 to 8 weeks
after hernia repair.
It is recommended to refrain from bathing for at least 5
days after the operation to avoid separating the skin tapes
and opening the incision. Sponge bathing for infants and
showering for older children are permitted a day after
surgery. After showering, the wound tapes should be
carefully patted dry. Complete recovery from a hernia
repair procedure can be expected in about 2 to 4 weeks time.
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Risks
Hernia repair procedures run the risk of bleeding,
infection, injury to adjacent structures and recurrence of
the hernia.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q: What
causes hernias?
A:
Hernias erupt when a weakened abdominal muscle tears open,
allowing the organs inside to push through and looking like
a balloon beneath the skin.
Q: What
are inguinal hernias?
A:
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and it has
an occurrence rate of about 25% in men and 2% in women.
There are two types of inguinal hernia, direct hernia and
indirect hernia. The direct hernia develops when the
intestine passes through the muscle layers of the abdominal
wall into the groin. While an indirect hernia occurs when
the intestine passes through the groin and goes down into
the scrotum.
Q: Where
do hernias occur?
A:
A hernia can develop in different areas in the body.
Incisional or ventral hernias are hernias that develop in
the abdominal wall around a previous incision. Inguinal
hernias or femoral hernias occur in the groin area.
Epigastric hernias are found in the middle of the abdomen.
Hernias can also develop in the diaphragm which is the
muscle between the abdomen and chest. And finally, the
hiatal hernias are those that occur around the esophagus.
Q: What
should I do to prepare for this procedure?
A:
Most hernia repair procedures can be done on an outpatient
basis. Before the procedure, do not eat in the morning of
your operation. Wear loose-fitting, simple clothing to the
hospital so that you can change from the medical gown and
back to your clothes without strain or any discomfort. It
is recommended that you have someone accompany you in the
hospital and stay with you at home on the first night after
the procedure.
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