All You Need to Know about Hernia

A hernia occurs when internal organs or tissues break out of a hole in the muscle. To treat the condition, the doctor may prescribe hernia repair surgery. Also called herniorrhaphy, the surgery aims to retract the displaced tissues in the proper position. If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of the symptoms of hernia or been prescribed hernia repair surgery, this blog post is for you. Read on as we present all you need to know about hernia.

Hernia Facts

• Small hernias, usually do not show any symptoms.
• Hernia surgeries are classified as hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy.
• Hernia surgeries do not take a long time and the patient can go back home on the same day.
• Hernia surgeries are safe and effective.

Symptoms

Hernia symptoms may include the following:

• Hernia pain or discomfort that is long-term
• Pain and discomfort interfering with everyday activities
• Pain or discomfort that intensifies or worsens over time
• Large hernias
• Hernias growing rapidly
• Hernias in places where they might enlarge or worsen
• Sharp pain in the abdomen and vomiting
• Hernias putting pressure on nerves and causing irritation and numbness

In some cases, hernias may not even show any symptoms. However, hernias cannot heal or recover from surgical interventions.

Types of Hernia

Depending on the nature of the hernia, there are three common types of hernias, including:

• Reducible Hernia: When it is possible to push back the hernia into the same opening, it came through.
• Irreducible or Incarcerated Hernia: When the hernia sac is filled with the organ or abdominal tissue, it cannot be pushed through the hole it came through.
• Strangulated Hernia: When a part of the organ or tissue gets stuck in a hernia, cutting off blood supply.

Types of Hernia Repair

There are two common types of hernia repairs, including:

Herniorrhaphy (Tissue Repair)

Herniorrhaphy is considered as the oldest type of hernia surgery and is still in practice today. The surgery involves a large incision made directly over the hernia then using surgical equipment to cut open the area to access the hernia.
The surgery allows to return the tissues and organs to its original position, and then the hernia sac is removed. The sides of the muscles are stitched up. After sterilizing the wound, it is stitched shut.

Hernioplasty (Mesh Repair)

In a hernioplasty surgery, instead of stitching the muscle opening, a flat, sterile mesh made of flexible plastics, polypropylene, or animal tissue is used to patch up the hernia. Small cuts are made around the hole and the patch is stitched onto it.
Hernioplasty is also considered as tension-free repair.

Recovery

The surgery does not take a lot of time and the patient can be discharged on the same day. The surgeon typically explains the activities to avoid and for how long.
It typically takes between 3 to 6 weeks for a full recovery after surgeries. Within 1 to 2 weeks, you can go about your everyday activities and work.

Wrap Up

Hernia is a common issue that can be easily addressed if the treatment is sought before the condition worsens. Whether you are in Fort Worth or any other place, it is important to consult a reputable hernia surgeon at the earliest. In most cases, hernia can be easily repaired and the patients get back to their routine lives in a matter of a few weeks. TIf you wish to consult the top hernia surgeons in Fort Worth, TX, look no further than DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery of Dallas. To book an appointment, click here or simply call 469-620-0222.