A hernia is a common condition that is caused by an internal part of the body, such asan organ,pushing through a weakness or opening in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Although most hernias are not serious, they often require surgery in due course to repair the hernia and to reduce the risk of complications.
There are different types of hernias, but they most frequently develop between the chest and hip area. Usually, an obvious sign of a hernia is a visible bulge or lump that appears when in certain positions or during certain actions or activities, such as straining, laughing, coughing, lifting, or bending. The bulge can often be pushed back into place or will disappear when lying down.
Apart from the appearance of a noticeable lump, a hernia may not cause any other symptoms. Some, however, may cause a dull ache, pressure, or sharp pain when they come through the opening. Certain types of hernias, such as hiatal hernias (where the top of the stomach pushes up into the chest)mayalso cause acid reflux and heartburn.
If you suspect you have a hernia and are experiencing frequent discomfort, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, some hernias can cause complications, such as an obstruction in the bowel and strangulation (when tissue doesn’t have access to blood supply), which can lead to tissue death.
When Is Surgery Necessary?
The best treatment for a hernia will depend on the type of hernia, symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life, your overall health, and whether there is a significant risk of obstruction or strangulation.
Hernias typically get worse over time and won’t get better without surgery. However, for a small or minor hernia, your doctor may suggest taking a wait-and-watch approach to see if the hernia gets worse before they recommend surgery.
There are two main types of surgery:
- Hernia repair surgery – usually a minor procedure that involves making an incision to push the herniated tissue back into place. The muscle or tissue wall are reinforced with stitches or surgical mesh to prevent a future hernia in the same area.
- Laparoscopic surgery – a less invasive procedure thatutilizes a laparoscope (a thin tube with a light and a camera on it to view the surgical site) and small specialized instruments to repair the hernia. This type of surgery requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery, which can mean less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery. In some instances, robotic surgery may be used to repair a hernia, which is a similar procedure but involves the surgeon using a controller to move the surgical instruments.
Preparing for Hernia Surgery
To help ensure a successful hernia repair, there are some things you should think about:
- Choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon.
Do your research to find a highly qualified, board-certified surgeon who is experienced in hernia surgery. Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations as well as asking friends or family if they can recommend an appropriate surgeon. This can help ensure your surgery is done by a great surgeon. If you plan to use your health insurance, check with your insurance provider to see which surgeons they recommend in your local area.
- Find out what to expect.
At your consultation, it is important to ask questions and find out exactly what you can expect during and after your surgery. Your surgeon should give you postoperative instructions to follow after your procedure and will advise you if there is anything you can do prior to your repair surgery to prepare. Ask your surgeon about your recovery, such as when you can drive and return to work, as this can vary depending on the type of hernia and repair surgery.
- Get in the best health possible.
Ensuring you are in the best health possible prior to your surgery can help reduce the risk of complications during surgery and post-surgery and can help speed up your recovery. Eat a healthy diet, keep hydrated, keep physically active, lose any excess weight, and give up smoking. Smoking can complicate anesthesia, slow down wound healing, and increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
- Ask for help during your recovery.
Hernia repair surgery involves sedation, so you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure. Depending on the type of surgery you have done, it can take up to six weeks for you to make a full recovery. During this time, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects. You may require help with certain activities, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and doing the laundry during your recovery. Returning to activities too soon may lead to a delay or health complications in your recovery.
- Call your doctor with any concerns.
Once you are home from your surgery, if you have questions or concerns about your recovery or experience symptoms, such as a fever, severe pain, excessive bleeding or unusual drainage from the incision, an inability to urinate, or nausea or vomiting lasting longer than 4 hours, you should call your doctor right away. These symptoms could indicate an infection which will require treatment to prevent complications.
Hernia Repair in Sarasota, FL
If you are looking for expert medical care, contact the highly qualified physicians at Intercoastal Medical Group. We have more than 100 dedicated, highly trained, board-certified providers and specialists in multiple convenient locations to provide you with top quality comprehensive healthcare services, including hernia diagnosis and hernia repair surgery.
To schedule an appointment or to find out more about our services, visit us or call us at one of our convenient office locations, or use this link to schedule an appointment online.
