Facts And Information About Hernia Repair Surgery

By Brian Barnes


Hernia occurs whenever an organ or internal tissues break through a hole that is within the muscles. The repair surgery for the condition is known as herniorrhaphy and involves returning the tissues that are displaced to their proper position. A hernioplasty refers to a surgical procedure in which a mesh patch gets sewn over weakened regions of tissues. When considering hernia repair surgery, it is important to know what it involves.

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.

There are symptoms which if one has, will indicate that they should consider going for surgical treatment. The person might have long-term discomfort and pain, or it could be that the hernias are enlarging. You will need to go for surgery when the discomfort is such that you are unable to do daily chores. Also, surgical treatment is called for when hernias are in places where they can enlarge and get worse, for instance the groins. There are however some cases in which the condition does not cause symptoms to warrant medical attention. Nevertheless, hernias can never get resolved without treatment.

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 is the case with surgical procedures, there are some possible side effects. To begin with, you might find that the area with the incision remains painful and noticeably red. The pain will be experienced when it is touched. For you to minimize inflation, over the counter medications will be prescribed. There are some not so common side effects like tissue damage, infections of the urinary tract and other general infections.

There are signs that when experienced will need you to see a doctor. For example, in case the incision remains very painful even after some days, a visit to the doctor will be required. You also need to see a doctor if new symptoms appear which were not there initially.




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