What Is Involved In Hernia Repair Surgery

By Brian Barnes


Hernia is a condition which is experienced when an organ or an internal tissue breaks, which happens through a whole in the muscles. The surgical procedure for repairing hernias is referred to as herniorrhaphy and is a procedure in which displaced tissues are returned to their actual positions. There is also hernioplasty whereby mesh patches are sewn over weakened tissue areas. When it comes to hernia repair surgery, there are are a number of things that one should know.

If hernias are small there will never be any symptoms. In general, there are two major forms of surgery, herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. They are both performed during the daytime and will not need any hospital stay. The two procedures are very effective and also safe. Most people will not experience hernia pain until after 1 year or two years. The noticeable symptoms are also experienced at the same time. You could experience the symptoms more when you take part in strenuous exercising.

In order to know that you require surgery, there are some symptoms which are experienced. There will be long-term discomfort and pain because of the condition and it could also continue to enlarge. If the pain or discomfort gets to a level it interferes with daily activities, the best way out would be to go for surgery. That is also the case if you have the hernia at a place where it is likely to enlarge or get worse with ease. Such locations include the groins. In some cases, hernias might not need any medical attention.

The first procedure is known as hernioplasty and happens to be the oldest of all the procedures used. With this treatment, a surgeon makes an incision directly above where the hernia is. The incision is long. After that, he uses surgical tools for opening the cut so that access is created. In case there is an organ or tissue that gets displaced, it will be returned to its original location. That is followed by removal of the hernia sac. Thereafter, the muscle sides from where the hernia protruded are stitched into position.

There is the procedure called hernioplasty which is referred to as mesh repair. With this method, rather than stitching the muscle openings shut, it will be covered with a flat mesh which is sterile. The mesh is made of flexible plastics. The surgeon will make small cuts around the hole. There is then stitching of the patch.

Before one gets discharged from hospital, they will be told of activities that they need to avoid and the period for which that should happen. Generally, complete recovery takes 3 weeks to 6 weeks. You will be required to rest for about two weeks before resuming normal activities.

Just like other forms of surgeries, there are some side effects of surgical hernia repair procedures. For once, the place with the incision will have a red appearance, which might also be swollen. The place could also be painful to touch. For reduction of inflammation, over the counter medicines are used. There are other not so common side effects like damage to tissues, infections and urinary tract infections.

There are symptoms that would need to be reported to a doctor if experienced. For example, it could be that some says after treatment, the incision remains painful. You should also call the doctor if there are new symptoms experienced which were not there after surgery.




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