The type of hernia operation that you will discuss with your surgeon depends on the hernia size, location, and if it is a repeat or recurrent hernia. Your health, age, anesthesia risk, and your surgeon’s expertise is also important.

Your hernia can be repaired either as an open repair or a minimally invasive repair (laparoscopically or robotically). The repair will incorporate a piece of mesh to bolster and repair the hernia.

 

Open Mesh Repair:

An incision will be made over the hernia site, the hernia sac identified and removed. The surgeon will place mesh over the hernia site, and attach is using sutures sewn into the stronger tissue surrounding the hernia site. The surgical site in then closed using sutures.

 

Laparoscopic or robotic repair:

The surgeon will make several small punctures or incisions in your abdomen. Ports (hollow tubes) are inserted into these openings. Your abdomen is then inflated with carbon dioxide gas to make it easier to see the internal organs. Surgical tools and a long lighted camera are placed into the ports. The hernia is repaired from the inside with mesh which is sutured into place.

 

Risks of hernia repair:

  • Wound infection
  • Chronic pain at the incision site
  • Nerve pain causing pain or numbness
  • Recurrence of your hernia
  • Injury to other abdominal structures nearby the hernia (intestines, blood vessels, bladder)

 

When to contact your surgeon:

After surgery, contact your surgeon if you have:

  • Pain that will not go away
  • Pain that is getting worse
  • A fever more than 101
  • Continuous vomiting
  • Swelling, redness, bleeding, or foul smelling drainage from your incision
  • Strong or continuous abdominal swelling or pain
  • No bowel movement by 2-3 days after the operation

 

References:

American college of surgeons