Hernia Repair Surgery

A hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of a part of an internal organ or body part through a weak spot in the structure or surrounding muscle or tissue that it contains. Most hernias occur in the abdominal wall when a portion of the intestine, or a piece of fat, pushes through a weak area in the muscular part of the abdominal wall.

The following are the most common types of hernias:

• An inguinal hernia is a hernia in the inner groin area that occurs when the intestine pushes through the two inguinal canals in the lower abdominal wall. Men are much more likely than women to develop inguinal hernias.
• A femoral hernia is a hernia in deeper passages found in the thigh/outer groin area called femoral canals that most likely occur in women than men.
• A ventral hernia is a hernia in the muscles of the abdomen, such as epigastric hernias (occur above the belly button), incisional hernias (occur in weakened abdominal muscle resulting from a previous abdominal surgery incision) and umbilical hernias (occur near the belly button and are most common among newborns, particularly premature babies).
• A hiatal hernia is a hernia that occurs when the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through a small tear in the diaphragm.

The most common symptom of a hernia is a noticeable bump or bulge in the affected area, although it may not always be present. Other symptoms include discomfort or pain when standing or lifting heavy objects. However, hiatal hernias do not cause a bulge but may cause various symptoms, such as heartburn, acid reflux and regurgitation of food or liquids.

Although there are different causes for each type of hernia, in general, it forms when there is pressure on a weakened muscle or tissue. However, some people are born with weak or underdeveloped muscles or tissue that increases hernia chances. Picking up heavy objects and tobacco smoking, as well as muscle strain due to coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, constipation and excess weight, can cause hernia or worsen an existing one. Treatment options for hernia include lifestyle changes, medication or hernia repair surgery.

What Is Hernia Repair Surgery?

There are many types of hernias. Although “watchful waiting” may be considered a potential alternative to surgery for hernias that cause minimal or no symptoms, most hernias become larger over time. They will not permanently resolve independently.

Additionally, there is a small risk that part of the bowel could get trapped within the hernia, which can lead to a medical emergency. Men with inguinal hernia should closely monitor their symptoms and regularly check in with their doctor. About 70% of men who delay surgery will develop new or worsening symptoms and will need to undergo surgery within five years. Waiting too long to get surgery also increases the risk of developing a larger hernia that is more difficult to repair.

If the hernia does not improve or worsen despite changing your diet and activity and taking medications, your doctor may consider hernia repair surgery as the next step.

The two types of hernia repair surgery are laparoscopic hernia repair and open repair surgery. In the less-invasive laparoscopic hernia repair, the surgeon will make several small incisions and insert special tools in the affected area to view and push back the hernia. Some surgeons can perform robotic hernia repair surgery through a console controlling robotic arms that perform the surgery. In contrast, traditional open repair surgery involves making larger cuts to fix the hernia.

Both laparoscopic hernia repair and open repair surgery use surgical mesh, a medical device that helps close and strengthen the weakened muscle or tissue. The body can easily absorb a temporary mesh—the mesh works by strengthening the muscles and tissue over time. A permanent mesh provides long-term muscle support.

Are you a candidate for hernia repair surgery? Call 855-260-4374 to schedule a health assessment at Nacogdoches Medical Partners and experience life with less pain and worry.

Nacogdoches Medical Partners

At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, we understand how much a hernia can keep you from living life without discomfort and pain. Our dedicated team of experienced hernia repair surgeons and staff will walk you through all your treatment options and help you navigate your health journey with personalized and compassionate care. Together, we will find the right solutions and guide you through every step of the process to help put your mind at ease.

Should you have hernia repair surgery now, or should you wait it out? Let us help determine if hernia repair surgery is the right option for you at this moment. Visit our online patient portal, and we will provide helpful information about our surgeons and assist you in making an appointment.