-->

Understanding The Options Of Hernia Repair Surgery

By Brian Barnes


Hernia occurs whenever an organ or internal tissues break through a hole that is within the muscles. The repair surgery for the condition is known as herniorrhaphy and involves returning the tissues that are displaced to their proper position. A hernioplasty refers to a surgical procedure in which a mesh patch gets sewn over weakened regions of tissues. When considering hernia repair surgery, it is important to know what it involves.

Small hernias never cause any symptoms. Generally, the surgeries are classified as either hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy. The surgeries are performed during the day and thus will get home on the same day. They are fairly safe and effective. In most cases, it will take between 1 and 2 years before hernias start to cause painful, noticeable symptoms. There are people who might notice symptoms only when they take part in strenuous exercise.

In order to know that you require surgery, there are some symptoms which are experienced. There will be long-term discomfort and pain because of the condition and it could also continue to enlarge. If the pain or discomfort gets to a level it interferes with daily activities, the best way out would be to go for surgery. That is also the case if you have the hernia at a place where it is likely to enlarge or get worse with ease. Such locations include the groins. In some cases, hernias might not need any medical attention.

The first surgical procedure is known as herniorrhaphy and is the oldest one. The surgeon makes a long incision that is positioned directly above the hernia. There is then the use of surgical tools to open the cut which has been made, after which it is assessed. If there are organs or tissues which were displaced, they will be taken back to their original locations. When that is done, there is then removal of the hernia sac. Sides of muscles which protruded are later on stitched back to position.

The other procedure is called hernioplasty and is also referred to as mesh repair. In this case, rather than have muscle openings stitched, they are covered using flat mesh. The mesh is usually manufactured from flexible plastic materials. There are small cuts made by the surgeon around the holes. That is followed by having the patch stitched.

Before being discharged from hospital, the surgeon will detail the activities which one should avoid and for what period of time. Full recovery will take between 3 and 6 weeks. It takes 1 or 2 weeks before you are allowed to get back to daily activities.

Just like any other type of surgical procedure, there are possible side effects that the treatments come with. The site of incision will appear noticeably red and swollen. Also, it might be painful when touched. In order to reduce inflammation, there is the use of over the counter medications. Other side effects that are less common include infections, tissue damage and urinary tract infection.

There are some signs that if experienced should be reported to the doctor. For instance, if the incision remains painful for many days after the procedure, you will need to see a doctor. The same applies to when there are new symptoms which were not present immediately after the operation.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment