Hernia repair is one of the most common surgeries performed today. Each year more than 1.5 million Americans undergo hernia surgery, a number expected to grow significantly as obesity rates increase and the population continues to age. While generally considered a safe procedure, there are things you need to know if you’re considering hernia surgery.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias occur in different parts of the body and are named for where they appear. The most common hernia is called an inguinal hernia. It occurs in the groin area, most commonly in men. Inguinal hernias account for about 75 percent of all hernia surgeries.
Other kinds of hernias include umbilical hernias which occur near the belly button, Incisional hernias which develop near a prior surgical incision, hiatal hernias where part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity, and femoral hernias which happen in the upper thigh and are more common in women.
What causes a hernia?
Hernias occur when weak abdominal or other muscles are strained. The most common causes are muscle weakness, heavy lifting, persistent coughing, or constipation which can increase pressure on the abdominal wall. Other risk factors include obesity, pregnancy and previous surgeries.
How do you know if you have one?
Whether or not you have a hernia should be left to a healthcare professional to diagnose. Here are symptoms to look out for:
- Visible bulge: A noticeable lump in the abdomen or groin that may disappear when lying down.
- Pain or discomfort: Especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting.
- Heaviness or pressure: A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
- Burning or aching sensation: At the site of the bulge.
- Acid reflux or heartburn: In cases of hiatal hernia.
Will I need surgery?
Many factors combine to indicate whether hernia repair surgery is needed. The hernia’s size and its location play the largest roles. Larger hernias, for example, are more likely to cause complications. For inguinal Hernias (those in the groin area) surgery is usually recommended, especially if there’s pain.
Surgery is also recommended for for femoral Hernias (upper thigh and groin), and Incisional Hernias that are enlarging,
What size hiatal hernia needs surgery?
Though the decision whether to operate on a hiatal hernia should not be made on its size alone, a hiatal hernia larger than 2.8 inches or one involving more than half the stomach is usually considered large enough to require surgical repair.
Surgery is also recommended if you’re experiencing chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How long does hernia surgery take?
The simple answer is it depends on the hernia. Inguinal hernia repair is performed laproscopically (minimally invasive) and usually takes about 30 minutes.The most common method for small to moderate Umbilical hernias is known as Open Umbilical Hernia repair. The surgeon makes a small incision near the navel, pushes the hernia back where it belongs, and sutures the opening in the abdominal wall. It also usually takes about thirty minutes.
Hiatal hernias are frequently repaired robotically. The full procedure takes between 90 and 150 minutes.
These are just guidelines, of course. Large, recurring hernia repair, for example, can take up to five hours.
How long does it take to recover?
Again, recovery time depends on what kind of surgery you have, either laparoscopic, open, or hiatal. Laparoscopic surgery patients (inguinal hernia ) often go home the very same day and can return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Full recovery from laparoscopic surgery is usually reached within three to six weeks.
If you’re undergoing open surgery for umbilical or incisional hernia repair you’re likely to stay up to 2 days in the hospital and can return to normal activities within two to four weeks. Full recovery from open hernia surgery may take up to six weeks.
If your hiatal hernia is repaired laparoscopically you can expect a one or two day hospital stay. Repaired through open surgery, your hospital stay may extend to three to five days. Hiatal hernia patients are usually given a modified diet to follow post-surgery and can expect to resume eating solid foods within 6 weeks. You’ll also be advised to avoid heavy lifting for two to three weeks and you may resume driving after seven to 10 days.
Is hernia surgery dangerous?
Hernia surgery is generally considered to be safe. All surgery, however, carries the risk of complications. The most common are infection either internally or at the incision site, bleeding during or after surgery, possible damage to surrounding structures such as nerves, blood vessels, or organs, and pain and discomfort in the surgical area. Hernias may also happen again over time.
If hernia surgery is in your future you should discuss any and all of your concerns with your surgeon beforehand. The bottom line: hernia repair surgery is extremely common and considered non-dangerous in most cases.
