What is a hernia?
A hernia happens when tissue or a part of an organ bulges through weak areas of your muscle. Types of hernias include:
- Umbilical hernia: appears near your belly button
- Inguinal hernia: occurs in the groin area
- Hiatal hernia: appears in your diaphragm
- Incisional hernia: occurs through a scar
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a birth defect
While hernias can happen to anybody, certain things increase your risk of getting one. Examples include heavy lifting, straining with constipation, being older, and chronic coughing. You’re more likely to have a hernia if you’re pregnant, have weak abdominal muscles, engage in strenuous physical activity, or have had hernias before.
What are the symptoms of a hernia?
The main symptom of a hernia is protruding tissue in your abdomen or near your groin. You might also experience burning or aching near the bulge, pain or discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure.
What is hernia repair?
If you have symptoms of a hernia that are painful, hernia repair can restore tissue and prevent future complications. Your surgeon might recommend open hernia repair, minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair, or robotic hernia surgery.
How should I prepare for hernia repair?
Prepare for hernia repair by following your surgeon’s instructions. Stop taking certain medications, avoid foods and drinks the morning of surgery if they ask you to, and make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What should I expect during hernia repair?
Before hernia repair at Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, your provider gives you general anesthesia with a sedative or general anesthesia to make you fall asleep.
Using specialized surgical tools, your surgeon creates tiny incisions near the hernia to repair the tissue. They might place a synthetic mesh in the muscle wall to strengthen it. Afterward, your specialist closes the incisions and takes you to a recovery area.
What happens after hernia repair surgery?
You might be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Follow all post-surgery instructions. Take medications as directed by your doctor, get plenty of rest, and avoid exercise and heavy lifting until your surgeon gives you the OK. You also need to properly care for your surgical wounds at home.
Don’t live with an unsightly hernia, especially if it’s painful. Call Lakeland Surgical Clinic, PLLC, to schedule a consultation or book online today.
