Abdominal & Groin Hernia Surgery

Hernia Surgery

A hernia is defined as an abnormal protrusion of abdominal contents through the muscular wall covering it. This is primarily noticed as a lump which is usually soft and fully reducible. It can be in many different places – around the belly button (umbilical/ paraumbilical), through an old surgical wound (incisional), through the groin (inguinal), or through the abdominal side muscles (Spighelian or Lumbar hernia).

Symptoms

A hernia is often painless but the patient can experience a dragging sensation and a lump. This may affect their ability to function adequately. A tender lump that doesn’t reduce in the context of pain and/or vomiting is a surgical EMERGENCY and represents a strangulated hernia. If you are waiting for surgery and this happens, urgently contact me or attend A&E.

Surgical options

Open Surgery

Open surgery involves a cut over the lump, pushing the hernia back through the hole, closing the hole with stitches and then possibly reinforcing it with a mesh ( a polypropylene complex designed to reinforce the area and integrate into the tissues). You will need a week or so to recover from the surgery but avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery involves going inside the abdomen, reducing the lump back into the cavity and reinforcing the hole with a specially designed mesh. Key advantages of this approach are faster recovery and arguably less pain. Recovery is normally a few days and you will be given support hosiery to wear for the first week post-operative. Again heavy, straining should be avoided for a few weeks.