Hernia Repair

Abdominal wall hernias

Different types of abdominal wall hernias include:

• Inguinal hernias
• Umbilical hernias
• Complex ventral and incisional hernias
• Spigelian hernias
• Flank hernias
• Recurrent hernias

 Bochdalek hernias

Bochdalek hernias are located closer to the back and are rare.

They occur when an opening exists, and it allows fat, the stomach or the intestines to enter the chest cavity.

Hiatal hernias

A hiatal hernia occurs when there is a weakness or opening in the diaphragm.

The stomach bulges through the weakened diaphragm, sometimes causing reflux, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.

Hiatal hernias are the most common type of diaphragmatic hernia.

Morgagni hernias

Morgagni hernias are located toward the front of the thoracic cavity and are an anterior defect.

The colon or omentum (the fatty folds that hold the intestines and other abdominal organs in place) are most at risk of bulging through the chest cavity.

A Morgagni hernia is relatively rare and usually does not cause symptoms.

On the day of surgery

Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled hernia surgery time; you’ll be asked to change into a gown.

An IV will be inserted in your hand or arm to provide fluids and medicine.

Shortly before the surgery, an anesthesiologist will talk with you to explain the types of anesthesia used to prevent pain during the hernia surgery.

You will have one or more of the following:

• Monitored sedation to make you relaxed and sleepy
• Local anesthesia to numb the surgical site
• Regional anesthesia to numb specific areas of your body
• General anesthesia to let you sleep during the hernia repair

Fixing the weakness

Hernia surgery repairs the weakness in the abdominal wall.

Most hernias are treated using “tension-free” repairs. This is a type of hernia surgery that uses special mesh materials to repair the weak area.

The mesh covers the weak area like a patch and is made of strong flexible plastic that stays in the body. Over time, nearby tissues grow into the mesh to strengthen the hernia repair.

After hernia surgery

After the hernia surgery when the procedure is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery area to rest.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored; you’ll also have a bandage over the surgical site.

To help reduce discomfort, you’ll be given pain medicines. You may also be given breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear.

Later you’ll be asked to get up and walk; this helps prevent blood clots in the legs.

You can go home when your physician says you’re ready following hernia surgery.