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Hernia
A hernia is a protrusion of a viscus (an organ or part of an organ) through the muscular tissue that encloses it. Our clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for this type of lesion.
symptoms- a bulge in the groin that increases in size with coughing/lifting etc.
Types Of Herinas
Inguiral Hernia
Explanation- Inguiral hernia are the most common hernias Experienced by the population (roughly 80% of all abdomial hernias),and 98% of inguinal hernias occur in men. The presence of the spermatic cords in the gorin region of males means thereis a slight opening in the groin. this is vulnerable to ahernia occuring, and although inguinal hernias can occur at any age, the chance of developing one increases with age, due to weakeing of the abdominal muscles. inguinal hernias are divided into two subcategories:direct and indirect.indirect (66%)hernias occur by entering through the inguinal canal entrance in the groin,and exit through the ring at the canal. direct (33%) hernias are more common in older men, wherby the muscle wall rwars and contents of the abdomen protrude through.
symptoms- a bulge in the groin that increases in size with coughing/lifting etc.
- groin pain
Treatment- inguinal Hernias are primarily repaired by a surgical technique called hernioplasty. the hernia is pushed back into the abdomen, abd is secured in place by a wire mesh and stitches.
Symptoms- A round lump in the groin
Femoral Hernia
Explanation- Femoral Hernias Occur in or near the femoral canal, Which is found just under old and frail, but also occur in children). These hernias are risky due to possible complications (gangrene,obstructions in the bowel)and so are treated as emergencies and removed as quickly as possible .Symptoms- A round lump in the groin
- Pain may be present or absent
Incisional hernia
Explanation- An incisional hernia occurs thruogh an area of tissue with an incompletely healed surgical wound. they are often seen as a lump or bulge near a scar from a surgical procedure, most commonly with intestinal surgey and appendectomies (removal of the appendix)Treatment- surgical repair
- Repair using wire mesh to reduce pressure on the surgical wound.
Umbilical Hernia
Explanation-Umbilical occur most commonly in individual with increased pressure in the abdomen. Possible reasons forthis are obese individuals, pregnant women or in individuals that increase intra- abdominal pressure during exercise(common in weight training ).Symptoms-bulge around the naval/belly button region
- Usually no pain when pressed in.
- surgery can be used by stitching the muscle walls together, or inserting a wire mesh and stucthing .
Hiatus Hernia
Explanation- this is a hernia near the top of the abdomen/esophagus through a weakness in the diaphragm.Symptoms- Acid reflux, stomach pain, heartburn
INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
A hernia is a weakness in the muscle wall that allows the contents of the abdomen to protrude. An Inguinal Hernia is in the groin, it can be caused by a weakness in the muscle wall, your Doctor will explain the reason for yours. Common reasons are either congenital, from birth, by heavy lifting or from sport. Hernias need to be repaired when they begin to be troublesome as they cause a lot of pain if left untreated and occasionally serious complications can occur ie: strangulation.PRE-OPERATIVE INFORMATION
The majority of hernia repairs are done in the Day Surgery Unit (DSU), this means you will be admitted to the Unit, have your operation and be discharged the same day. You may need to be admitted to a ward overnight if you are not medically fit enough for to go home on that day or if you do not meet the DSU discharge criteria.You will be advised prior to admission whether you are going to the Day Surgery Unit or a Ward. Depending on this, you will receive specific instructions at your Pre- Assessment appointment about fasting, preparations for admission, aftercare and carers etc.
If you are overweight please try to reduce. This will reduce the anaesthetic risk and optimise your recovery.
THE OPERATION
The operation can be performed under a General Anaesthetic or a Local Anaesthetic. The options will have been discussed with you by the Surgeon.The hernia is repaired either by stitching in a pre-made plastic mesh, or by creating a mesh in you, (by stitching) to produce a repair free from tension. The wound is then closed with stitches and a dressing placed over it. The operation takes about 40 mins to an hour.
WOUND CARE
The stitches are usually dissolvable, so there is no need to come back and have them removed. They usually take about 3 weeks to dissolve. You may also have Steri-Strips (paper stitches) over the wound which can be removed after 5 days. After 48hrs you can have a shower, or a bath after a week, if the wound is dry. If it is necessary to have sutures removed you will be given an appointment to come back to the Hospital, or instructed to contact your GP.You may experience bruising and swelling around the wound site and scrotal/groin area, but this should settle down after about a week. If you notice that your wound becomes red, inflamed or discharging contact your GP.
PAIN RELIEF
The Surgeon will inject a local anaesthetic into the wound at the time of the operation, this helps reduce any pain you may experience after surgery. This can also have the effect of making your leg feel slightly numb for 24 hours after, so care should be taken when standing up.You will also receive pain killers in Hospital immediately after surgery, if required. On discharge you will be given pain killers to take home with instructions on when and how to take them.
It is better if you do not lie in bed all the time when you are discharged home. We encourage you to maintain gentle mobility to reduce the risk of post-operative complications, such as
1. DVT (blood clot) most commonly in the leg.
2. Chest Infection
3. Wound Infection (which could potentially infect the mesh).
FOLLOW UP
If the Surgeons wish to see you again you will receive an Out-Patients appointment, probably for 4-6 weeks. Otherwise contact your GP if you have any queries.DISTRICT NURSE FOLLOW UP
If you have your surgery within the Day Surgery Unit arrangements may be made for the District Nurse to visit you at home the day after your operation. They will check your wound, check that you have adequate pain relief and that you are mobile. You will be told before discharge if a District Nurse has been arranged. If they do not arrive, or you have any problems contact the Department you had surgery in, you will be given a contact number on discharge. Otherwise, If you have any queries or problems you can make arrangements to visit the Practice Nurse within your GP’s Surgery.DRIVING
Do not drive for 1-2 weeks after surgery and only resume if you feel comfortable and pain free behind the wheel and capable of doing an Emergency Stop, if necessary. If you experience any problems leave it for a few days then try again. It is wise to check with your insurance company before you start to drive again.RETURNING TO WORK
For work involving light duties/office work you maybe able to go back within 2 weeks. Otherwise, for heavy manual work you may need up to 4 weeks before you are able to carry out these duties comfortably.Again if you experience any problems, delay commencing normal activity for a few days. All this is entirely dependant on your own comfort.
If you require a Sick Certificate please ask a member of staff on admission or discharge. Then, if you need to renew it, consult your GP.
Leisure activities can probably be resumed after about 4 weeks, if you are pain free and comfortable.