HERNIA REPAIR
Hernias are also called ruptures, and it is easy to see why. They happen when part of the abdominal wall weakens, bulges or rips, and fatty tissue or part of the intestines protrudes through the space.
Hernias can occur anywhere in the abdominal wall:
- Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area between the abdomen and thigh. A naturally weakened spot near there, called the inguinal canal, increases the risk for this type of hernia.
- Epigastric hernias appear in the upper-middle abdomen, above the navel. Men are three times more likely to get this type of hernia than women. Incisional hernias can occur near the scar from a previous abdominal surgery. This area can be weak if the cut muscles did not heal properly. Femoral hernias happen most often in women, especially if they are overweight or have had several pregnancies. Femoral hernias appear as a bulge on the upper thigh, near the groin.
- Umbilical hernias sometimes are present at birth, behind the baby’s navel. They usually disappear by age five. Paraumbilical hernias develop near the navel, mostly in women who are overweight or have had several pregnancies.
- Hiatal hernias involve the stomach instead of the intestines. They form when a portion of the stomach slides into the chest cavity.
SYMPTOMS
If you have any of the following, you may have a hernia or tear of the abdominal wall:
- An unusual bulge in the groin
- Abdominal or upper thigh protrusion
- Pain in these areas during physical activity
TREATMENT
Hernias do not heal by themselves, and eventually even small ones need to be repaired through surgery. Hernia surgery involves these steps:
- An incision is made over the hernia, and the protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
- The weakened muscle is repaired with sutures.
- The repair may be reinforced with a synthetic mesh.
- Another method, called laparoscopy, uses a fiberoptic viewing tube and special instruments. Recovery time is shorter with laparoscopy compared to conventional surgery.
You can often go home the same day as your hernia surgery. But, you will need help at home with everyday tasks, at least for a while.