PROCEDURES Hernia Repair
A hernia causes a localized bulge in the abdomen or groin. A hernia occurs when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak gap or opening in the muscle that contains it. There are different types of hernias including inguinal, ventral, and umbilical, categorized by location. They don’t go away on their own and the only way to treat a hernia is surgically. Hernias can also occur over previous surgical sites, called incisional hernias. While most hernias are harmless causing symptoms of slight discomfort, others can be life-threatening. A hernia may need to be repaired for the following reasons:
- The hernia causes pain or discomfort, or seems to be getting larger.
- If tissue becomes trapped in the abdominal wall (incarceration).
- If the hernia becomes strangulated causing symptoms such as fever, nausea, sudden pain that gets worse, or a hernia that turns red, purple, or dark.
What does a hernia repair involve?
Surgical options will depend on the location of the hernia and the severity of the symptoms. A hernia repair may be done through open or laparoscopic surgery. In many cases Dr Kruger will approach the hernia repair laparoscopically as this approach is minimally invasive and allows for quicker recovery.
A hernia repair generally involves two parts, a herniorrhaphy and a hernioplasty. Once you are under general anaesthesia, your surgeon will make a few small incisions near the hernia and insert a laparoscope. This thin tube-like tool is fitted with a camera allowing for better visualisation without the need for large incisions. Using small tools inserted through other small incisions, the tissue or displaced organ can be put back into its correct position. Thereafter the opening through which the tissue bulged is closed with sutures, mesh, or both, to ensure the hernia doesn’t recur.
If necessary, a hernia repair can be done through open surgery. In this case surgery is done through larger incision, which may result in more post op pain and longer recovery time. It is important to note that there are cases where open repairs offer much better results than laparoscopic repairs.
What can I expect for recovery?
Depending on the approach taken, recovery may vary. If you have undergone a laparoscopic hernia repair, you can expect minimal pain and a much quicker recovery. You may have to spend a night in hospital for observation. Once discharged it may take 3-6 weeks for a full recovery. You should however be able to return to normal everyday activities within a week or two.
You should still refrain from any strenuous activities until you have been given the go ahead from Dr Kruger. Be sure to contact him should you experience any symptoms of infection including pain, fever, nausea or purulent discharge from the wounds.
