Hernia Repair in Abdomen - Inpatient

This is the surgical repair of a bulging through a weakness in the abdominal wall (hernia).




This is the surgical repair of a bulging through a weakness in the abdominal wall (hernia).



A hernia is the protrusion of tissue through a weak area in the muscular wall of the abdomen. Abdominal hernias include umbilical hernias, which are located near the naval (belly button). They may also include hernias that are located near an incision or other weakness in the abdominal wall. Occasionally, parts of the bowel can protrude through the weak area and become trapped (unable to return to its normal place). This is known as an incarcerated hernia. When the blood supply to the part of the bowel that is incarcerated is affected, the condition is known as a strangulated hernia. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery.

  • Abdominal hernias can occur in adults when the internal pressure in the abdomen becomes stronger than the muscles of the abdominal wall. This may be due to obesity, multiple pregnancies, large abdominal tumors, or large amounts of accumulated abdominal fluid.

An open hernia repair is when a surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to repair an abdominal hernia. During the surgery the bulging tissue is pushed back through the weak area of the muscle. The weakened area is then made stronger with stitches and/or a mesh.

An abdominal hernia can cause the soft tissue around your navel to protrude when you're at rest or when you cry, cough, or strain. A repair of an abdominal hernia repair may be recommended if the bulging is painful or large, interferes with your daily activities, or causes other problems.

  • In adults, hernias tend to gradually increase in size and cause symptoms such as pain. Therefore, surgery is typically recommended to avoid possible complications. Although most hernias do not go away on their own, surgery may not be needed if there are no symptoms.
  • For most children, abdominal hernias close on their own by age 2 without treatment. Surgery may be recommended if there is pain or other complications, if the hernia gets bigger after age 1 or 2, or the hernia doesn't disappear by age 5 or 6.
  • When you see your healthcare provider for evaluation, he or she will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. He or she may order some tests (lab work, abdominal ultrasounds, or x-rays) to screen for certain complications. If your healthcare provider recommends a hernia repair, prior to surgery tell him or her about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before surgery. These may include:

    • medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners or aspirin
    • regular medications you should continue to take on the day of your surgery
    • how many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the surgery.

    If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking, as it can interfere with your recovery.

    During your surgery, you will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain free.

    • general anesthesia, the most common type of anesthesia for a hernia repair, is where you are put into a deep sleep and are unable to see, hear, or feel anything.
    • other types of anesthesia may be used in certain circumstances.

    You may go home the day of your surgery, but some people need to stay in the hospital overnight.

    • Pain medication and help at home may be needed while you recover.
    • Don't forget to make arrangements for transportation to and from the facility.
    • This care path includes costs for a hernia repair that requires at least one overnight stay in the hospital.

What should I ask my healthcare provider before having an open hernia repair?

  • What do you think caused my hernia and how severe is it?
  • Do I need any special tests? What are the benefits and risks of having the tests?
  • Will the tests change your treatment recommendations? If not, is there a need for them?
  • What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each treatment option? Are there less invasive treatment options for me?
  • Do I need to fast before the surgery and, if so, for how long? Is there any other special preparation for the surgery? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
  • What kind of sedation or anesthesia will be used? What are the possible side effects?
  • What are the possible complications to this surgery, how will I feel after the surgery, and will I have to modify my activities?

After your surgery, you should know what you had done, what medication was given, and what symptoms you should report to your healthcare provider. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans.

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Repair Hernia
Hernia Surgery
Hernia Repair in Abdomen - Inpatient
Hernia
Abdominal Hernia Repair
Abdomen Hernia


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