HERNIA REPAIR
A hernia is a bulging of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening. Typically, a hernia involves intra-abdominal fat or intestine. Symptoms may include a bulge, swelling or pain but in some cases, there are no symptoms. Hernias usually don’t get better on their own and they tend to get bigger. However, if there are no symptoms it may not need surgery at all and a watchful waiting approach may be acceptable and safe.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
The type of surgery 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. Laparoscopic surgery is generally preferred where possible due to reduced healing times, however there are cases where open repairs offer better results. You will be placed under general anaesthesia for the procedure. The tissue or organ coming through the defect will be put back into its correct position and the opening is closed with sutures, mesh, or both. The use of mesh is used in most repairs according to all new guidelines as this offers a significantly reduced risk of the hernia recurring.
TYPES OF HERNIAS
Inguinal hernias occur in the groin when part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weakness in the inguinal canal causing a bulge often associated with pain.
Umbilical hernias occur at the belly button, when fat or part of the intestine pushes through or next to the umbilicus. These are often present since birth but may only become evident later in adult life. Other risk factors include being overweight, multiple pregnancies, long-term cough, difficulty urinating or chronic constipation.
Incisional hernias can occur after you have had abdominal surgery as this is a potential area of weakness. This may present as pain or a bulge at an abdominal scar site. Complex abdominal wall reconstructions are generally required for hernias larger than 10cm or when a large volume of abdominal contents bulges outside the abdomen. This requires advanced surgical techniques which may include the injection of Botox into the abdominal muscles. Dr Hannington has experience and a special interest in these advanced techniques.