Hernia Repair

A hernia occurs when an internal organ protrudes through a weak area of muscle. They commonly occur in the groin, belly button and the site of a previous operation.

A hernia can happen at any age. You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over a period of time. Both men and women can get a hernia.

You may notice a bulge under the skin or feel a sharp and immediate pain when lifting or coughing or a dull ache that gets worse towards the end of the day.

Hernias can only be repaired with surgery. A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.

There are three types of hernia:

• An uncomplicated hernia or reducible hernia is where the intestines bulge into the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdomen). It can still be manipulated back into the body although it will not stay in place without corrective surgery. It is recommended that an uncomplicated hernia be repaired as there is a danger of it becoming incarcerated or strangulated.
• An incarcerated hernia occurs when the intestines bulge through the hernia area and become trapped.
• A strangulated hernia is when the blood supply to an incarcerated hernia is cut off. Strangulated hernias can result in gangrene.

1. Open Surgery – This is where the surgeon makes an incision into the area of the hernia and the uses a small piece of surgical mesh to repair the defect or hole. This technique may be performed using a spinal or general anaesthetic, but occasionally can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.
2. Keyhole or laparoscopic surgery – This is where a tiny telescope connected to a camera is inserted through a small port, allowing the surgeon to see the hernia and surrounding tissue on a television screen. Other small ports are inserted into the lower abdomen to allow the surgeon to insert fine laparoscopic instruments into the abdomen in order to repair the hernia.
   A piece of surgical mesh is placed over the hernia and held in place with small surgical staples.
   

• It may offer a quicker return to work and normal activities
  
  
• It may cause less post-operative pain
  
  
• Other hernias that are not yet visible can be identified and repaired at an earlier stage so that you won’t have to return for more surgery.
  
  
• It has better cosmetic results. There are 3 small scars rather than a 6-8 centimetre long scar.

• Most hernia operations are performed on an outpatient basis, and therefore you will probably go home on the same day that the operation is performed.
  
  
• Preoperative preparation includes blood tests, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an electrocardiogram, depending on your age and medical condition.
  
  
• After your surgeon reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
  
  
• It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation.
  
  
• If you have difficulties moving your bowels, an enema or similar preparation may be used after consulting with your surgeon.
  
  
• After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything except medications that your surgeon has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
  
  
• Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications) and Vitamin E will need to be stopped temporarily for several days to a week prior to surgery.
  
  
• Diet medication or St. John’s Wort should not be used for the two weeks prior to surgery.
  
  
• Stop smoking and arrange for any help you may need at home.

• Bleeding – this is very uncommon with laparoscopic surgery.
  
  
• Infection – you may get an infection in the wound caused by the mesh or sutures/staples. This is a very rare complication.
  
  
• Slight risk of injury to the bladder, intestines, blood vessels, nerves or the sperm tube going to the testicles.
  
  
• Difficulty urinating after surgery is not unusual and may require a temporary tube into the bladder.
  
  
• At any time a hernia can come back. The long-term recurrence rate is not known.

• Following the operation, you will be transferred to the recovery room where you will be monitored for 1-2 hours until you are fully awake.
  
  
• Once you are awake and able to walk, you will be sent home.
  
  
• With any hernia operation, you can expect some soreness mostly during the first 24 to 48 hours.
  
  
• You are encouraged to be up and about the day after surgery.
  
  
• Don’t do any activity that involves heavy lifting or straining for at least 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery, and up to 4-6 weeks after open surgery.
  
  
• Keep the wound(s) dry until the stitches/clips have been removed, usually 7-10 post-operatively.
  
  
• Some types of stitches will dissolve within 2-3 weeks and will not require removal.
  
  
• As soon as you are comfortable, you can begin easy activities such as walking, Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks, and 4-6 weeks if you have had open surgery.
  
  
• You can start driving again once you are free of pain and can use the controls of your care normally.

• A fever of over 39° centigrade or 102.2° Fahrenheit
  
  
• Bleeding
  
  
• Increased abdominal swelling or pain
  
  
• Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
  
  
• Chills
  
  
• A persistent cough or shortness of breath
  
  
• Pain behind your knees
  
  
• Foul-smelling green/yellow pus, blood or discharge from your wound(s)
  
  
• Redness surrounding the incision(s)
  
  
• Inability to urinate