Hernia Repair Surgery at Reid Health

At the Reid Health General Surgery Center, our board-certified general surgeons provide advanced care for hernias. Whenever possible, we use robotic and laparoscopic approaches to repair many different types of hernia, helping patients across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio recover faster and with less pain.

Surgical treatment for all types of hernias

Hernias are tears in your tissue or muscle where part of an internal organ bulges through the abdominal wall. Hernias occur when pressure develops in weakened areas of muscles and tissues. In some cases, a hernia is visible from outside your body.

Clinicians classify hernias based on where they develop in the body. Different hernias include:

· Femoral hernia: Mostly affecting women, femoral hernias involve a bulge in your upper thigh below your groin.

· Hiatal hernia: This hernia pushes part of your upper stomach through an opening in your diaphragm.

· Incisional hernia: These hernias originate from a scar from a past abdominal surgery.

· Inguinal hernia: Also called groin hernias, these are more common in men and develop in the groin. They may progress to the scrotum.

· Umbilical hernia: More common in babies, umbilical hernias happen when the belly button fails to close properly after birth.

· Ventral hernia: These hernias stem from the abdominal midline.

Although clinicians can treat some hernias without surgery, surgery allows people with very painful or severe hernias to avoid serious and sometimes life-threatening complications.

Minimally invasive hernia repair surgery at Reid

Surgeons perform two types of hernia surgery: laparoscopic surgery and open hernia repair.

Reid's general surgeons use laparoscopic surgery to repair hernias as much as possible. Using a laparoscope, a tube-like device with a light and tiny camera attached to look inside the body, our surgeons work through small incisions, or cuts, to repair your hernia and move its contents back into place. A harmless gas is also pumped into your stomach to give the surgeon more space to work. A piece of mesh placed during the procedure helps reinforce weak areas of the abdominal wall and prevent a hernia from returning. Stitches are used to close the surgical site.

Some patients need traditional open hernia repair. Those surgeries require a large incision near the affected area, but unlike laparoscopic hernia repair, which may require general anesthesia, open hernia repairs may be performed using local anesthesia.

Your surgeon will recommend the right approach for you based on the type of hernia you have, your overall health, and other factors.

As with any other surgery, hernia repair comes with the risk of potentially adverse side effects, such as:

· Blood vessel, organ, and nerve damage

· Long-term pain around the incision site

· Recurrence of the hernia

You may be concerned about the safety of surgical mesh used to repair hernias. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled the surgical mesh products that led to serious complications. The mesh used today is safe and has not been associated with the same side effects of products used previously.

Preparing for your procedure

Before your surgery, you'll meet with your team at the Reid Perioperative Clinic. Your surgeon, surgical navigator, and other members of your team will work with you to make sure you're as healthy as possible before your surgery and prepared for your recovery. Your perioperative team may also order tests and lab work to get a complete picture of your health.

Your surgeon will instruct you on preparing for the procedure, including which medications to stop taking and when, what foods and drinks to avoid, and how soon to stop eating before surgery.

Recovering from hernia repair surgery

For laparoscopic repair, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery. If you had complications or had open surgery, you may stay in the hospital longer. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions for recovery, but common guidelines include:

· Avoiding movements or actions that put pressure on the affected area

· Avoiding rigorous activity, like heavy lifting, for several weeks

· Consuming plenty of fluids and high-fiber foods to reduce the risk of constipation

You may have trouble urinating following hernia repair surgery. This is more common in men, especially after inguinal hernia repair. Your surgical team may insert a thin tube into your bladder called a catheter to help drain urine temporarily.

Your perioperative care team will monitor you throughout your recovery to ensure you have the best possible outcomes from your surgery. You will have follow-up visits with your surgeon, as well.

Trust Reid for expert hernia repair surgeries

Our board-certified surgeons and compassionate perioperative care teams tailor treatment to your needs and guide you throughout the process of a hernia repair surgery. To learn more about laparoscopic and open hernia repairs, request an appointment.