A hernia is a gap or space in the strong tissue that holds muscles in place. It occurs when the inside layers of the muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. The only treatment for a hernia is surgery, as they won’t go away on their own or with physical therapy.
First, Columbia Surgical Associates will perform a physical exam and, if necessary, an ultrasound or X-ray for better viewing. Afterwords, a discussion of discomfort and medical history will determine the best hernia repair treatment.
Check out this Hernia FAQ to learn more from Nicole Spencer, DO.
INGUINAL HERNIAS
The most common areas where hernias occur are in the groin, belly button, and site of a previous operation. An inguinal hernia is a hernia in the groin. Fairly common, approximately 600,000 inguinal hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States.
An inguinal hernia may appear as a bulge under the skin, and cause discomfort when lifting heavy objects, coughing, urinating, passing bowel movements or during prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Continuous pain, redness, and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. Make an appointment with a Columbia Surgical Associate surgeon as soon as possible if the bulge used to come and go, but now sticks out, as this can be a more serious symptom.
TREATMENT
Performed with the patient general anesthesia, a laparoscopic hernia repair is done with the use of a laparoscope connected to a special camera which is inserted through a hollow tube known as a cannula, allowing the surgeon to view the hernia and surrounding tissue on a monitor.
Surgeons make three separate quarter inch incisions and repair the hernia from behind the abdominal wall. A small piece of surgical mesh is placed over the hernia defect, and fixed in place using adhesive sealant or sutures.
RECOVERY
Following the operation, patients are transferred to a recovery room where they are monitored until they are fully awake. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day. Soreness can be expected during the first 48 hours, but most are able to resume all normal activities within a week.
SET AN APPOINTMENT
Our board certified surgical specialists have more than 100 years of combined experience in the practice of surgery, and specialize in the surgical treatment of a variety of health problems, including hernias.
Please reach out with questions or make an appointment by calling our office at (573) 443-8773.
