Long-Term Impact Following Hernia Operations
Hernia repair surgery is a common procedure that aims to fix a condition where soft tissue from other organs bulges through a weak part of the abdominal wall. This article provides an overview of the key facts about hernia repair surgery.
There are two main types of hernias: ventral and inguinal. Ventral hernias occur in the abdominal wall and can range in size from 1 centimeter to 25 centimeters wide. Inguinal hernias, on the other hand, are hernias of the groin and are typically smaller in size.
Both open hernia repair and laparoscopic (minimally invasive) hernia repair are common outpatient surgeries. Open hernia repair involves making a large incision to access the hernia, while laparoscopic repair uses several small incisions and special instruments to perform the surgery. Robotic surgery for hernia repair is another form of minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon operates a machine to perform the procedure.
The length of recovery time after hernia repair surgery depends on various factors, such as the size of the hernia, the type of surgery, and your age and overall health. After traditional open hernia surgery, most people have the longest recovery time. However, it's important to note that recovery times can vary greatly from person to person.
It's common to experience pain after surgery, but this should typically go away on its own. In some cases, over-the-counter pain medicine may provide short-term relief. However, approximately 10-12% of patients seek specialized pain treatment one year after inguinal hernia surgery due to chronic postoperative pain. For some, mesh removal or neurectomy procedures can provide significant or complete relief from chronic pain.
Complications like chronic groin pain, nerve disturbance, infection of surgical mesh, erosion of surgical mesh, and hernia recurrence may require further assessment or additional surgeries. Some potential long-term complications after hernia surgery include bruising, infection, bleeding, seromas, hematomas, adhesions, abscesses, injury to nearby tissues, organs or blood vessels.
It's important to follow your healthcare provider's restrictions after surgery and avoid strenuous activity. You can typically go home a few hours after surgery, unless there are complications or a large hernia. If a hernia returns or you experience new symptoms or are concerned about an infection, contact your healthcare provider right away.
In summary, hernia repair surgery is a common procedure that can help alleviate symptoms caused by hernias. By understanding the different types of hernias, the types of surgery available, and the potential risks and benefits, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
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