Open Hernia Surgery
Inguinal hernia is a condition that occurs when the soft tissue from a part of the intestine protrudes out of the abdomen through a tear in the abdominal wall. It is most commonly seen in men than women.
Hernias can be developed during birth and occurs when the abdominal wall fails to close properly. It can also be developed if the there is connective tissue degeneration in the abdominal wall causing weakness of muscles due to which pressure builds up in the abdominal wall.
The most commonly observed symptoms of inguinal hernia include severe groin pain and pain worsens with cough or lifting heavy objects, burning, gurgling sensation, nausea and vomiting.
Some of the other factors that worsen hernia are chronic cough, obesity, constipation, pregnancy, poor nutrition, smoking and stretching or straining abdominal muscles while lifting heavy objects.
Your physician can confirm hernia by performing physical examination. Rarely ultrasound may be needed to look for hernia.
Treatment
Surgery is the only treatment and is usually performed for hernias that enlarge in size due to increased intra-abdominal pressure causing intestinal obstruction and restricted blood supply which may lead to death of bowel tissues.
A hernia repair is usually performed as an outpatient surgery with no overnight stay in the hospital. The operation may be performed as an “open” or “keyhole” (laparoscopic) surgery. Your surgeon will decide which procedure is suitable for the repair and performs with your consent.
In open hernia repair, a large incision is made on the groin (abdomen) and the bulge is pushed back into place. Surgical procedures for hernia repair include hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy.
- Hernioplasty- This type of procedure is done if the abdominal wall is completely ruptured and damaged. A synthetic mesh is used which is stitched along with the abdominal wall to provide support.
- Herniorrhaphy: This method is done if the abdominal wall is torn and causes leakage of the intestinal contents. Your surgeon opens the wall and pushes the content back into the abdomen and the torn tissue is stitched.
As common with other surgeries, hernia surgery is also associated with certain complications such as local discomfort and stiffness, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, bruising, blood clots, wound irritation and urinary retention.
