Hernia Repair Surgeries
Hiatal Hernia Repair
A hiatal hernia is a bulging of the stomach into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. This is usually caused by increased age, obesity, smoking, or a generalized weakness in the muscles and supporting tissues. Most hiatal hernias do not require surgery and management is based on symptoms.
Before Surgery
- Your doctor will review all allergies and medications including any herbs and over the counter medications you are taking.
- Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you and also what to expect after surgery.
During Surgery
- Small incisions are made and the stomach or other organs are pushed back down. The opening is then repaired and tightened to prevent recurrence.
- If the procedure is done laparoscopically you will spend 1 night in the hospital. If it is done as an open procedure you will spend 2-3 nights in the hospital.
After Surgery
- You will be taken to recovery and then taken to your hospital room.
- Upon discharge you will be given instructions on how to care for your incision, returning to normal activities, and when to follow up with your doctor. You will also be given medication for pain.
Risks of this procedure
- Infection
- Injury to internal organs
Inguinal Hernia Repair
An inguinal hernia is when tissue pushes through a weak spot in your groin muscle. Inguinal hernias can occur anytime in adults or children and are more common in males than females. With an inguinal hernia you will notice a bulge in the groin area that may or may not be painful. If the hernia is small it may be able to be massaged back into place and if not surgery will be required.
Before Surgery
- Your doctor will review all allergies and medications including any herbs and over the counter medications you are taking.
- Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you and also what to expect after surgery.
During Surgery
There are 2 ways to do an inguinal hernia repair. Both are done on an outpatient basis and you will go home the same day of surgery.
- Open Hernia Repair- General or local anesthesia will be used and an incision will be made and the hernia will be pushed back into the right place and the weakened area will be closed with stitches and may be reinforced with mesh.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair- This is performed under general anesthesia. Several small incisions are made in the lower abdomen and surgical instruments are inserted and the hernia is repaired and then the weakened area is reinforced with mesh and stitches.
After Surgery
- You will be taken to recovery and after a short time discharged home.
- Upon discharge you will be given instructions on how to care for your incision, returning to normal activities, and when to follow up with your doctor. You will also be given medication for pain.
Risks of this procedure
- Infection
- Injury to internal organs
- Recurrence of the hernia
Umbilical Hernia Repair
An umbilical hernia is a bulging of the abdominal wall in the umbilical area. This type of hernia is common in infants and can be common in adults especially if they are overweight. If the hernia is found when the child is an infant it will be closely monitored and surgery is usually not done until the child is 3 or 4 years old. Sometimes it is just the inner lining of the abdomen that pushes through and then in other cases loops of bowel or other abdominal contents push into the sac. This is called an incarcerated hernia and may require emergency surgery.
Before Surgery
- Your doctor will review all allergies and medications including any herbs and over the counter medications you are taking.
- Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you and also what to expect after surgery.
During Surgery
There are two methods to fix an umbilical hernia. There is the open hernia repair and the laparoscopic hernia repair. Both are usually done on a outpatient basis and you should go home the same day.
- Open Hernia Repair- An incision is made near the hernia site and the bulging tissue is gently pushed back into the abdomen. Sutures or mesh is used to close the muscle. A drain may or may not be placed depending on the size of the hernia. Sutures, staples, or glue are then used to close the site.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair- Several small incisions are made in the abdomen and then surgical tools are inserted in these incisions. Mesh is then inserted and sutured or stapled to the muscle. All surgical instruments are then removed and the small incisions are closed.
After Surgery
- You will be taken to recovery and after this time are usually discharged home.
- Upon discharge you will be given instructions on how to care for your incision, returning to normal activities, and when to follow up with your doctor. You will also be given medication for pain.
Risks of this procedure
- Infection
- Injury to internal organs
Ventral Hernia Repair
A ventral hernia is a bulging of the abdominal wall where a previous surgical incision has been made or there is a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Sometimes it is just the inner lining of the abdomen that pushes through and then in other cases loops of bowel or other abdominal contents push into the sac. This is called an incarcerated hernia and may require emergency surgery.
Before Surgery
- Your doctor will review all allergies and medications including any herbs and over the counter medications you are taking.
- Your doctor will discuss the procedure with you and also what to expect after surgery.
During Surgery
There are two methods to fix a ventral hernia. There is the open hernia repair and the laparoscopic hernia repair.
- Open Hernia Repair- An incision is made near the hernia site and the bulging tissue is gently pushed back into the abdomen. Sutures or mesh is used to close the muscle. A drain may or may not be placed depending on the size of the hernia. Sutures, staples, or glue are then used to close the site. With this type of surgery you can plan on being in the hospital 3-4 days.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair- Several small incisions are made in the abdomen and then surgical tools are inserted in these incisions. Mesh is then inserted and sutured or stapled to the muscle. All surgical instruments are then removed and the small incisions are closed. With this type of surgery you can plan on being in the hospital 1-2 days.
After Surgery
- You will be taken to recovery and then to your hospital room.
- Upon discharge you will be given instructions on how to care for your incision, returning to normal activities, and when to follow up with your doctor. You will also be given medication for pain.
Risks of this procedure
- Infection
- Injury to internal organs
- Recurrence of the hernia