Hernia Surgery (laparoscopic and open)

Definition of a hernia: A hernia develops when there is a weakness or defect in the abdominal wall allowing tissue (usually intestine or fat) to bulge through this opening.

Common Causes of Hernias

Most often a hernia is congenital. Congenital hernias occur when the lining around the abdominal organs does not close properly before birth or reopens later in life. Or it can be the result of an injury.

You may be more prone to developing hernias if you:

  • Smoke
  • Are overweight
  • Have a chronic cough
  • Have chronic constipation
  • Lift heavily or strain frequently
  • Have had previous abdominal surgery

Common Types of Hernias

  • Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum
  • Femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or upper thigh
  • Incisional hernia occurs through a scar from a previous surgery
  • Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button

Symptoms

  • Groin discomfort or pain which is worse with bending, lifting or long periods of standing
  • A lump in the groin, scrotum or abdomen
  • The lump may increase in size with coughing, lifting or straining
  • the lump is typically soft and can be reduced with lying flat and gentle pressure

If you have a hernia bulge that is very painful and/or cannot be pushed back into place you may have an incarcerated hernia. This can occur when the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia resulting in poor blood supply to the organ. If this is the case you need to seek immediate medical attention as this may require emergent medical intervention.

Treatment

Most hernias require surgical repair by repositioning the herniated tissue back into the abdominal cavity and securing the weakened tissues. Often a mesh material is used to help repair the weakness and prevent further hernias.

Recovery

Returning to work/activities

  • Most patients with inguinal or umbilical hernias are discharged home the same day of their surgery
  • Typically patients can expect to return to light duty work 1-2 weeks following surgery
  • Most patients need to avoid heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery and your surgeon can provide more detailed instruction in this regard
  • No driving or operating machinery while taking prescription pain medication
  • If return to work notes are needed or paperwork is required please contact the office
  • Please expect a longer hospital stay and recovery if you have a larger hernia repair

Diet

  • Start your diet with clear liquids the day of surgery and slowly advance to a regular diet

Pain

  • Typically there is a minimal to moderate amount of incisional pain after surgery
  • An ice pack is recommended intermittently for the first 48 hours to help reduce pain & swelling
  • For males, an athletic supporter is recommended after surgery if you are having an inguinal hernia repair
  • Most patients are provided a prescription for medication to take on a short term basis to help relieve the discomfort
  • If pain medication refills are needed we require you contact our office during regular business hours
  • If you are prone to constipation from pain medication, it may be advised to have a stimulant-free stool softener such as colace or milk of magnesia at home

Incision/Wound Care

  • A small amount of bleeding or drainage is expected in the first 24-48 hours
  • Bruising near the incision is common to develop in the first 24-48 hours
  • Additional instructions regarding your dressings or bandages will be given after surgery
  • Typically you can shower 48 hours after surgery
  • No bathtubs, hot tubs or swimming is recommended for at least 2 weeks
  • For inguinal hernia repairs, swelling or bruising on the penis and scrotum is also common and will resolve over first 1-2 weeks

Follow Up Care

  • You will be asked to see your surgeon 2 weeks following surgery or discharge
  • Please contact the office and our staff will happily assist you in scheduling your appointment
  • For hernia repairs a healing ridge will develop under the incision. This is normal healing tissue and will flatten and soften over the next 6 months. This is not a recurrence of the hernia.

Call Your Surgeon at 763.780.6699 for the Following

  • Temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Increased pain
  • Increased bleeding or drainage
  • Pus-like drainage, increasing redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth at the incision site
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

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