Do you have a hernia and facing surgery? Hernias do not get better and do not go away. In fact, they can get worse. Surgery is the only effective treatment for hernias. If you or a loved one is facing hernia surgery, it is natural to have a lot of questions.
Hernias are a common non-life-threatening condition that often creates a bulge on the body. They happen when an organ pokes through the abdominal wall or other tissues that are supposed to be holding that organ in.
“Basically, except for some pediatric hernias, a hernia will never go away on its own,” says Dr. Shaniece Craft, a General Surgeon with West Tennessee Medical Group Jackson Surgical Associates.”Once you have one, it’s a permanent hole that will stay there until it’s repaired. Usually, the longer you wait, the bigger it gets and the harder it is to repair.”
What is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery, also known as herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty surgery, is a medical procedure to repair hernias. When doctors fix hernias, they stitch the abdominal wall or other containing tissue to keep it closed, sometimes adding mesh to reinforce that tissue. Hernia repair helps ensure that no organs can poke out again in the future.
What is the difference between open, laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery?
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgery with advantages of less pain, less blood loss, and quicker recovery. It involves the use of a laparoscope inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. This device provides a live view of the defect during the procedure, making the repair easier. Open surgery, on the other hand, involves a single large incision through the abdominal muscle.
Robotic surgery is an advanced form of laparoscopic surgery. In robotic surgery, three small holes are made in the abdominal wall to insert a camera and two instruments inside the body to perform the operation. The robot does not perform the operation, the surgeon does.
“We can repair hernias from the inside, which doesn’t require cutting through any muscle layers,” says Dr. Braun. “There’s less tissue trauma when you repair a hernia laparoscopically, so the recovery is usually much quicker.”
How long does the surgery take?
Most hernia repairs are an outpatient procedure. For small hernias performed laparoscopically, expect about an hour of procedure time. If your case is more complex, such as for a recurrent or larger hernia, or a repair where you previously had another surgery, the procedure may take longer. Additionally, plan on having someone drive you to and from surgery.
Is hernia surgery painful?
Hernia surgery is performed under sedation. It typically involves some level of discomfort, but post-op pain can be managed effectively with medication and pain gradually subsides.
What complications are there?
Complications may include bleeding, infection, or injury to internal organs. Chronic pain and hernia recurrence are the most common long-term issues.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery time for hernia repair depends on the type of hernia surgery and each patient recovers at their own pace. However, the average recovery time after a laparoscopic hernia surgery can take around two to three weeks while recovery from an open hernia surgery can take four to six weeks. Generally, there is no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for a couple of weeks after the procedure. The length and list of restricted activities will depend on the size of the hernia and the extent of its repair.
Do I need surgery if my hernia is not bothering me?
Hernias are generally easier to repair when they are smaller, which often means an easier recovery and less risk of complications. Bigger hernias can sometimes require more complex operations, which lead to longer recovery times and higher surgical risks.
Can my hernia be fixed with treatments other than surgery?
No, there are no herbs, creams, or medicines that will fix a hernia. Hernias never get smaller. If left untreated, a hernia will continue to grow in size which is usually accompanied by increased pain.
Can a hernia come back?
Small hernias rarely come back. Bigger hernias or those that were repaired with open surgery or an incision, have a higher chance of recurrence.
If you suspect you have a hernia, West Tennessee Medical Group Jackson Surgical Associates is here to help. To schedule an appointment, click here.
