HERNIA
A hernia is a protrusion of a viscus (an organ) beyond its normal limits and occurs in either the groin or the abdomen. This protrusion produces a swelling; if it clears on lying down, it is known as a reducible hernia, or if it fails to clear an irreducible hernia. Hernias can be painless, cause slight discomfort or be painful. They tend to get larger with time and can make it difficult to undertake normal activities.
TYPES OF HERNIA REPAIRS
Femoral Hernia Repair
A Femoral hernia repair is to close this space formed next to the main blood vessels in the groin and prevent the hernia.
Inguinal Hernia Repair
An Inguinal Hernia repair is closing the hole in the muscles of the groin at the top of your inner thigh which causes the abdominal contents to protrude.
Umbilical Hernia Repair
In an umbilical hernia, abdominal contents can protrude through the muscle surrounding the umbilicus (belly button) causing it to pop outwards.
Epigastric Hernia Repair
Epigastric Hernia occurs higher up, above the umbilicus, where there may be a weakness between the muscles on either side as they meet in the middle.
Incisional Hernia Repair
Incisional hernia happens through an old scar on the tummy from a previous operation.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair is a technique to fix tears in the abdominal wall (muscle) using small incisions, telescopes and a patch (mesh).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Although hernias in adults can arise for a number of reasons some common examples are:
- Persistent heavy coughing,
- Injury or surgery,
- Lifting, carrying or pushing heavy loads
- Straining to produce a bowel movements
- Straining to urinate e.g. men who have an enlarged prostate
- Being overweight or pregnant
Those over 50 have a higher risk of hernia, possibly due to the muscles in the stomach wall becoming weaker with age.
The aim of our hernia repair is to have:
Minimal
- Incision
- Discomfort
- Loss of Leisure
- Shave
- Incapacity
- Loss of Work
- Hospital Stay
- Immobilisation
- Recurrence
Maximum
- Strength
Patients are admitted on the day of operation and return home after physiotherapy, usually within 24 hours. The standard Rehabilitation Programme is then followed.
The hospital physiotherapist will show you how to follow this programme and the practice nurses are available if you have any problems.
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