Hernia Treatment
Surgery
A hernia occurs when body tissue pushes through a weakened section of the abdomen. Examples include a piece of the intestine, the stomach or fatty abdominal tissue, creating hernias in men, women and children. The groin---or inguinal---hernia accounts for 75 percent of abdominal wall hernias and affect more men than women. The obturator hernia causes tissue to push through an opening in the pelvic bone. It's rare, and it primarily affects women. Umbilical hernias mainly affect babies. Doctors often suggest surgery to repair hernias because of potential health risks.
Complications Requiring Surgery
Even if a hernia isn't painful or causing problems, your doctor still may recommend that you see a surgeon because hernias can become strangulated. When this happens, the blood flow to the tissue is cut off, and that portion of the tissue can die. Imagine a straw, bent into three sections; no liquid would be able to pass through. Strangulation causes pain and requires emergency surgery.
Before Surgery
A few days before hernia surgery, you'll most likely have X-rays, blood work and urine tests. If you're taking a blood thinning medication, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking it so there's no excessive bleeding during the procedure. You won't be able to eat or drink the night before surgery to cut down on vomiting.
Surgical Treatment
There are two primary types of surgical procedures used to correct a hernia: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. According to the Surgery Channel, open surgery requires an incision near the area of the hernia, and the herniated tissue is opened and placed back into the abdomen. The weakened tissue is reinforced with a synthetic mesh. For laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made and a miniature camera is put into one of the incisions. Surgical tools are placed into the other incisions to correct the hernia, while the camera guides the surgeon.
After Surgery
Following the procedure, you'll be taken to a recovery unit. You'll be given ice chips, water and then solid food. Once you can take clear liquids, the IV is removed. This is often an outpatient procedure, so you'll likely leave the hospital within hours following surgery. It's not uncommon to have pain, swelling or bruising around the incision area. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. You may be able to return to work faster with laparoscopic surgery. Though, if you have a physically demanding job, you may need to take a few weeks off to heal properly.
Complications
If you have a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, severe pain, inability to urinate or discharge coming from the incision, call your doctor immediately. Complications from hernia repair surgery are not typical, however there's always a risk with surgery.
