The Need For Hernia Repair Surgery

By Michelle Nelson


Sometimes an individual can be in pain, but not fully understand the cause. If there is pain located in the groin or abdomen, it may be a sign that something definitely is not right. Swelling, a budge, or even a lump in the stomach area, may indicate that hernia repair surgery is necessary.

Hernias may be easy to identify if the following symptoms are noticed. It starts off simply as protruding body tissue or an organ that surfaces through whatever structure is supposed to contain it. There is usually some kind of opening or hole in the muscle wall of the stomach if a abdominal hernia exists. This lining extends beyond the surface whereby causing a bulge. Sometimes strenuous activities may cause more damage. This may involve coughing, lifting, or even straining to have a bowel movement.

Doctors that perform the repair then take out sutures that absorb to sew up overlying tissues. Repairs that are less stressful are usually performed using the laparoscopic technique. It is done with relatively small incisions. The desired outcome is to be able to separate hole margins from normal tissue so that it can get closed up using a suture and plastic mesh. However one can only hope not to be a strain on adhering tissue.

Repairs through the use of a suture are designed to pull the edges of the defected area together. It can be compared to sewing up a hole in a garment. However, there are complications such as putting a strain on nearby tissues. This can lead to the tearing of these tissues which can help in forming another hernia. An alternate technique was later developed which sutures the weak area together by using mesh that is very much like plastic. The material is permanent and when used to sew the defective margins together, it gives room for the body to complete its natural healing process.

After performing the repair, the underlying tissues are then mended with sutures that are absorbable. Repairs that are secure in nature are usually performed using a laparoscopic technique. It aids in repairing because it is less stressful.

Impaired activity and pain warrants the need for hernia repair. One can almost guarantee that emergency surgery will be for those who refuse to have treatment. Some may want to try a temporary solution by wearing a device that pushes in body tissue through the use of external compression. The mechanism is known as a truss. It again is a temporary solution for what could be a permanent situation.

Hernias are not controllable and may appear without warning. Contributing factors may occur and allow them to grow with the individual. Tissues are arranged differently and once it thickens, the risk of developing a hernia can grow greater. The problem can grow greater when items aren't picked up correctly, not having abdominal support, smoking, or added weight problems. These factors can bring about additional stress on the body.

Repairs are inevitable when pain or impaired activity is a result. Emergency surgery is sure to happen for those who do not undergo any type of treatment. However, individuals who shy away from surgery try to temporarily absorb their pain by wearing what it is known as a truss. Truss's are worn and have a belt-like device. The truss is helpful because it applies external compressions pushing in organs if necessary. The truss must be worn daily or as directed by a physician.




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