Abdominal Hernias
Inguinal Hernias
What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, typically in the groin area. This is the most common type of hernia, especially in men.
Symptoms
A visible bulge in the groin or scrotum
Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting, coughing, or bending
A feeling of heaviness or weakness in the groin
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: A minimally invasive surgery that involves making small incisions and using a laparoscope to push the hernia back into place and reinforce the weakened area with a mesh.
Open Hernia Repair: A larger incision is made in the groin, and the hernia is repaired using sutures or mesh.
Umbilical Hernias
What is an Umbilical Hernia?
An umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine or fat tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the belly button. It is most common in infants but can also affect adults.
Symptoms
A soft bulge or swelling near the belly button
Discomfort or pain in the belly button area, especially when coughing or lifting heavy objects
The bulge may increase in size when standing or straining
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic or Open Surgery: The surgery involves pushing the hernia back into place and reinforcing the area with stitches or mesh to prevent recurrence
Incisional Hernias
What is an Incisional Hernia?
An incisional hernia can occur at the site of a previous surgical incision. After an abdominal surgery, the muscles in the area may become weakened, allowing part of the intestine or tissue to push through.
Symptoms
A bulge or lump near the area of a previous surgery
Pain or discomfort around the surgical site
Symptoms may worsen with physical activity or strain
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Repair: Small incisions are made to repair the hernia using a mesh for reinforcement.
Open Repair: A larger incision may be necessary for bigger hernias, particularly in cases of recurrence.
After surgery for an inguinal, umbilical, or incisional hernia, patients should follow a recovery plan to ensure proper healing. Here’s what to expect and what to do:
Immediately After Surgery
Rest and Recovery
Rest is important for the first few days after surgery. You may feel tired and sore at the incision site, but walking around gently can help improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting, bending, or intense exercise for several weeks, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
Pain Management
You may experience some discomfort or pain after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Follow your surgeon’s instructions about which medications to take.
Some patients might also experience gas pain, especially after laparoscopic surgery, as air is used to inflate the abdomen during the procedure.
Caring for the Incision
Keep the surgical site clean and dry. You will likely have small, dissolvable stitches and bandages over the incisions.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on when it is safe to shower, typically 24-48 hours after surgery.
Avoid soaking in baths or swimming pools until your incisions have fully healed
Diet
You can generally resume a normal diet after surgery, but it’s a good idea to start with light, easily digestible foods for the first day or two. Stay hydrated and avoid heavy, greasy meals that could upset your stomach.
If you had an umbilical hernia repair or incisional hernia surgery, some doctors recommend a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation, which can strain the repaired area.
Exercise and Activity
Light walking is encouraged shortly after surgery to aid circulation and speed recovery. However, avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or straining for 4-6 weeks, as these activities can put pressure on the surgical site and risk recurrence of the hernia.
Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your doctor
When to Call Your Doctor
Infection Signs: If you notice redness, swelling, increasing pain, or discharge from the incision site, contact your surgeon, as this could indicate an infection.
Fever: A high fever or chills could be a sign of infection.
Swelling or Pain: While some discomfort is normal, persistent or severe pain, or bulging at the surgical site, could indicate complications.
Returning to Work
Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of surgery (laparoscopic or open) and the nature of their job. Those with physically demanding jobs may need a longer recovery period before resuming full duties
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns. Your surgeon will check the incision and make sure the hernia has been effectively repaired.
By following these guidelines, patients can recover smoothly and reduce the risk of complications. Always check with your surgeon for specific instructions tailored to your surgery and personal health.