ABDOMINAL HERNIA SURGERY
INGUINAL (GROIN) HERNIAS, FEMORAL HERNIA, UMBILICAL (BELLY BUTTON) HERNIAS & INCISIONAL/VENTRAL HERNIA.
What is abdominal hernia surgery?
A hernia can be described as an abnormal protrusion of an organ through the structure that normally keeps the organ in place.
Common sites of abdominal hernia can include:
- umbilical hernia. This occurs when the abdominal contents (eg. fatty tissue, intestine, bowel) protrude through the abdominal wall layers at the base of belly button stalk
- inguinal hernia. Protrusion of abdominal contents at a site of weakness related to where the abdominal wall is crossed by spermatic cord of the testis (male), or round ligament of uterus (female)
- femoral hernia. Protrusion at the site of weakness next to the passage of the femoral vein as it passes into the thigh
- incisional/ventral hernia. Weakness related to previous surgical scarring of the abdominal wall.
Symptoms of a hernia may be a noticeable bulge, with or without pain. In an emergency situation if abdominal contents are stuck and blood flow is affected, you can experience severe and constant pain with abdominal cramping or vomiting.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
Laparoscopic Abdominal Hernia Surgery is minimally invasive.
To perform Abdominal Hernia Surgery, your surgeon will make a few small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen near the hernia, and then inflate your abdomen with air so that your organs can be seen.
Then your surgeon will place a thin tube with a camera on the end (laparoscope) and thin tools through the incisions, and push the organ and herniated tissue back into place, and reinforce the barrier holding it there using stitches or surgical mesh. This is done without causing tension or tightness of the surrounding tissues.
Hernia mesh is crucial to the long-term success of many types of hernia operations, taking into account the location of the hernia, size of hernia defect, and surrounding health of the tissue. Dr Beumer might recommend mesh after individually considering the risks of mesh as compared to the risk of hernia recurrence if not using mesh.
Dr Beumer most commonly performs abdominal hernia surgery via a laparoscopic approach, but in some instances, an open approach may be your best option.
It is important to understand that surgery and recovery can take a varied course for different people. Most often, Abdominal Hernia Surgery takes between 30-60 minutes, and involves an overnight stay in hospital.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR ABDOMINAL HERNIA SURGERY?
Abdominal hernias do not always cause symptoms, but some people can experience:
- a bulge that can be found somewhere on the trunk of the body, sometimes so small you might not even realise it’s there
- pain, most often when coughing, straining, or using muscles nearby to the hernia
- a pulling sensation around the bulge.
If these symptoms are being experienced, your GP might refer you to a specialist or surgeon to explore this further, and discuss the option of surgery to resolve.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS?
It is important to understand that surgery and recovery can take a varied course for different people.
The specific risks to your hernia surgery and how they can be managed will be discussed at your surgical consultation with Dr Jesse Beumer and may include;
- Recurrence of a hernia
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Pain
- Obstruction
- Bleeding
- Reoperation
Your surgeon will discuss all risks and possible side effects with you.
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Diagram
An illustrated view where the different types of hernias may occur.
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