Do you have a lump in your abdomen, groin, or navel? Does it feel like it gets bigger, especially when you cough, lift weights, or laugh? Then you might have a hernia. Although many people are reluctant to talk about it, it is a very common condition. So today, let's talk about hernias and their surgery, to find answers to all your questions.
Simply put, what is hernia surgery?
A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue inside our body through a weak spot in the muscle wall that holds it in place. It's like something inside a bag that's been stuffed too full and leaking out through a small hole. These most commonly occur in the abdomen and groin areas.
Hernia Repair Surgery , or as doctors call it, ``Herniorrhaphy,'' is a surgical procedure that involves putting the herniated organ or tissue back in place and strengthening and stitching up the weakened wall. Sometimes, a special mesh, called ``Surgical Mesh,'' is used to strengthen the wall. This surgery is the best and most common treatment for a hernia.
Who needs this surgery?
Not all hernias require immediate surgery, but many do require surgery because they gradually enlarge over time and cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
For example, if an inguinal hernia grows larger and moves into the scrotum, it can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty having sex. Also, if an organ, such as the intestine, gets stuck in the hernia, it can cut off blood flow and cause serious complications. So, if you have symptoms or are at risk of complications, your doctor may recommend surgery for you.
What types of hernia surgeries are there?
There are three main types of hernia surgery. Your doctor will choose the method that is most suitable for you, depending on the nature of your hernia and your health condition.
| Type of surgery | How to do it (simple) |
|---|---|
| Open Surgery | This is the traditional method. A single long incision (a few inches) is made at the hernia site, the protruding tissue is put back in, and the weakened muscle wall is sewn back together. Often, a special mesh is used to reinforce it. |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | This is also called "keyhole surgery." Instead of one large incision, 3 or 4 very small incisions are made. A thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one incision and the inside is monitored on a monitor. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions to repair the hernia. |
| Robotic Surgery | This is also a type of laparoscopic surgery. However, here the surgeon performs the surgery using a robotic arm. The doctor sits in front of a computer screen and controls the robotic technology. This allows for very delicate and precise surgery. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor will decide if you are a good candidate for surgery and which surgical procedure is best for you. After that, they will give you some advice, such as:
- Your complete medical history will be asked. It is important to know if you are pregnant or have any other medical conditions.
- You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal products. You may be asked to stop taking blood thinners a few days before your surgery.
- Blood tests or other scans may be done to see if you are in a healthy condition for surgery.
- You will be asked to fast (abstain from eating and drinking) for a certain number of hours before the surgery.
- It is also essential to arrange in advance for someone to take you home after surgery.
On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel any pain. Laparoscopic surgery is performed under general anesthesia (putting you to sleep). In open surgery, you may be given anesthesia only for the area being operated on and may be performed while you are awake. However, do not be afraid of pain.
What happens after the surgery? And how long does it take to recover?
Many hernia surgeries are calledOutpatient Surgery. This means you can go home the same evening. If it's a more complicated surgery, you'll have to stay in the hospital for a day or two.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you had and your body type.
- Usually, within a few days, you can start doing non-physically strenuous work, such as office work.
- It will take a few weeks before you can return to strenuous activities like lifting weights.
- You can do light exercise , such as walking, from the day after surgery. But it's not good to exert yourself all at once. You should increase your activity gradually.
It's best to talk to your doctor to find out exactly how much time off you need, depending on the nature of your job.
Are there risks and complications? Let's be aware!
Like any surgery, hernia surgery can carry some minor risks. But these are very rare. It's important to be aware.
| Possible complications after surgery | |
|---|---|
| Short-term complications |
|
| Long-term complications | |
| Situations that require urgent attention (see a doctor immediately or go to the ETU) | |
| Call the doctor: |
|
| Go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately: | |
It's normal to feel a little scared when thinking about hernia surgery. But remember, this is a very successful and safe surgery that is performed all over the world. With new technology (laparoscopic methods, the best types of mesh), the results after surgery are very good. The recovery time is short. So, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor and get the treatment that suits you best.
Take-Home Message
- The most successful and common treatment for a hernia is surgery.
- There are several types of surgery, including open, laparoscopic, and robotic. Your doctor will decide which method is best for you.
- Laparoscopic surgery results in less scarring, less pain, and a faster recovery time.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly after surgery. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a while.
- Be on the lookout for warning signs like fever, severe pain at the incision site, swelling, and pus. If you notice anything like this, let your doctor know immediately.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Muscle Weakness? Is this normal fatigue?
This is not normal fatigue/sleepiness at all! 'Muscle Weakness' is a medical term that means that no matter how strong your mind is, your arm/leg/large muscle cannot hear what you say and its strength/power is reduced by 100% (Decreased motor strength), and it is a very dangerous neurological/muscular defect that makes it impossible to hold a cup, climb a staircase/get up from a chair.
💬 What are the main reasons for a person's limbs/muscles to suddenly or gradually lose function (Muscle Weakness)?
There are two main reasons for this: 1) 'Severe damage to the brain and nerves' - due to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or herniated disc. 2) 'Disease of the muscles and nerves' - due to low potassium levels in the blood (Hypokalemia), neuropathy due to severe diabetes, thyroid problems, and myasthenia gravis.
💬 What are the 'life-threatening situations' where you should immediately rush to the emergency department of a hospital without taking vitamins when your body/muscles are weak?
The biggest and most serious danger! If a person who was well suddenly, within minutes or even immediately, 1) experiences 'unilateral weakness' of the body/face, complete paralysis, and slurred speech, it is definitely a 'stroke' of the brain (death within three hours)! 2) If the paralysis starts in the legs and extends to the chest over several hours (Guillain-Barre syndrome) and the person cannot breathe, an ambulance must be called without waiting a second!
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