Understanding hernias is the first step in effective treatment. Before we learn how to treat a hernia, let’s discuss what it is, the symptoms, types of hernias, what causes them to form.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia is a weakness in a muscle or tissue which allows for an organ or fat inside our body to protrude. The bulge can be very uncomfortable and sometimes comes and goes. Most times it occurs in the abdomen as well as other places in the body. They seem to occur as we get older and can be due to wear and tear on our muscles. Sometimes we are born with them, they can occur from an accident, or even as a result of surgery.
What Are the Types of Hernias?
Hernias occur in different areas of the body.
- An inguinal hernia occurs mostly in men, and it happens when part of the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal which runs down the inner thigh. 75% of hernias are inguinal.
- A hiatal hernia occurs when the opening in your diaphragm gets wider and the top of your stomach pushes up through the opening in your chest. This is a also a common type of hernia.
- Femoral hernias are less common. They occur also in the groin but in the femoral canal which runs under the inguinal canal.
- An umbilical hernia happens when your intestine bulges through your abdomen near the belly button. These usually begin at birth.
- Incisional hernias occur at the site of a former surgery where the area has weakened. It is common after surgery.
- A ventral hernia occurs in the front of the abdomen, and includes incisional and umbilical hernias.
- A congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the diaphragm doesn’t close during fetal development. It is a serious birth defect causing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity while these organs are still growing. This leads to the lungs being crowded.
- Perineal hernias are rare and are caused by organs pushing into a weakness in the pelvic floor.
When Does a Hernia Require Treatment?
Hernias will eventually need to be treated unless you are a senior with no symptoms. Sometimes board-certified surgeons will recommend a “watch and wait” scenario if you have no bothersome symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you will most likely feel a dull ache, a sharp pain, or pressure.
It is best to see your doctor if you begin to have symptoms accompanied by the bulge. The goal of hernia surgery is to repair the hernia defect.
Best Ways to Treat a Hernia
Open Surgery
Open surgery is one approach which entails a larger incision over the site of the hernia. Mesh is used in many cases to help support the repaired defect. This is considered a more invasive type of surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia unless the hernia is very small.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed using very small incisions and long instruments to repair the defect from the inside. It is performed under general anesthesia.
Robotic Surgery
The third type of surgery is robotic surgery, and it differs from the above laparoscopic surgery. Using several small incisions, the instruments are inside the patient and the surgeon controls them from a computer screen in the surgery suite. This allows the surgeon to perform more precise movements.
Robotic-assisted surgery has been perfected to allow patients to have a very short hospital stay, and some can go home the same day as surgery.
Complications of an Untreated Hernia
Waiting too long to repair a hernia can lead to some serious complications.
- Hernia Incarceration: If the organ becomes “stuck” in the defect, it can lead to serious pain, and if it is the intestine, you may develop nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact the board-certified surgeons from Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee immediately if you have these symptoms.
- Hernia Strangulation: This complication occurs when the blood supply to a part of the intestine or tissue trapped in the hernia is cut off. It can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and a change in the appearance of the bulge (it may turn red or purple). If left untreated, it can lead to a life-threatening infection. Hernia strangulation is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.
Controlling diabetes and stopping smoking can help to prevent the above complications.
After Hernia Surgery: What to Expect
- Expect to have some pain post surgery.
- You can return to normal activities when you feel ready.
- You will be prescribed medications for pain.
- You can resume your normal diet after about 2 days.
- You typically can return to work in about a week under certain circumstances. Check with your surgeon about exact timing.
- You can resume exercise in about a month.
Hernia Specialist in Middle Tennessee
All hernias must be evaluated, and almost all need treatment.
Contact Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee at 615-205-9559 at the first signs of a hernia and schedule an appointment.