What is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Inguinal hernias are a common health condition that occurs when the content of the abdominal cavity, protrudes through a weak spot in the inguinal area. While many hernias can start as a mild discomfort, they often worsen over time. They can also present complications like strangulation or obstruction. The only effective solution for long-term relief and prevention of further complications in this condition is surgery.
What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens in the groin area when abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. The hernia can create a noticeable bulge in the groin or, in males, in scrotum, which may disappear when lying down but becomes visible when standing, coughing, or increasing abdominal pressure.
Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- A bulge in the groin or scrotum.
- Pain or discomfort, especially when lifting weight or coughing.
- A feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin.
Although some hernias are small and relatively painless, they can enlarge and cause severe complications if untreated. Over time, an inguinal hernia can trap part of the intestines, leading to a dangerous condition called strangulation.
Types of Inguinal Hernias
There are two main types of inguinal hernias:
Direct inguinal hernia: This type typically occurs in adults due to a weakness in the abdominal wall that develops over time.
Indirect inguinal hernia: This type is more common in infants and young adults and often occurs due to a congenital weakness present at birth.
Other types of hernias, although less common, can also occur in the abdominal region. These include femoral hernias, which develop in the groin near the femoral artery, and umbilical hernias around the belly button.
When is Surgery Necessary for an Inguinal Hernia?
From a surgeon’s perspective, there are not many reasons to leave a diagnosed hernia untreated. While some small, painless hernias may not require immediate surgery, they will never heal without surgery, and the risk of potentially severe complications will increase over time. In this sense, only patients without any kind of symptoms AND a very high surgical risk (usually very elderly and ill patients whose daily activity is extremely limited) may benefit from a non-surgical management.
If you think you do have a hernia, consulting a doctor to treat an inguinal hernia is critical. Ignoring the condition can lead to severe complications like infection, bowel obstruction, or even life-threatening situations.
Types of Inguinal Hernia Surgery
There are two main types of surgery or treatment of inguinal hernia for repairing an inguinal hernia: open hernia repair and laparoscopic hernia repair. Both techniques aim to close the opening in the abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from recurring.
Open Hernia Repair
Open hernia repair is a traditional approach where the surgeon incurs the groin to push the protruding tissue back into place. We then repair the abdominal wall using a mesh patch for reinforcement. The open technique is effective but typically requires a longer recovery time, specially regarding the return to sports and normal physical activity, and is slightly more painfull.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Herina surgery is a minimally invasive technique that involves making few small incisions in the abdominal wall. A tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one of these incisions, allowing the surgeon to guide the repair with precision. The hernia is repaired from the inside using surgical tools. The benefits of laparoscopic surgery include less scarring, reduced pain, and faster recovery. However, the chances of recurrency (having again a hernia) are slightly higher than in open surgery.
What Happens During Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Patients typically receive general anesthesia during the procedure, though in some cases, local or spinal anesthesia is used. The surgery can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the hernia and the type of surgery being performed.
In open surgery, the surgeon makes a larger incision near the hernia and manually pushes the protruding tissue back into place. We then use a mesh to repair the weakness in the abdominal wall. The same procedure is performed in laparoscopic surgery, but with small tools guided by a camera, and the mesh is placed in a different plane (inner plane).
Recovery Process After Inguinal Hernia Surgery
The recovery process depends on the type of surgery performed. Patients who undergo open hernia repair may require a longer recovery period, typically about four to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery often allows for a quicker recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within one to two weeks.
During the recovery phase, patients should:
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
- Follow a balanced diet to avoid constipation and excessive strain on the abdomen.
- Keep the surgical area clean and follow the doctor’s post-op care instructions.
Attending follow-up appointments is essential to monitor healing and ensure the hernia repair is successful.
Preparing for Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Before undergoing inguinal hernia surgery, you must undergo a pre-operative evaluation. This may involve the following:
Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your overall health, medications, and allergies.
Physical examination: A physical exam will assess the hernia and your general health.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check your overall health and identify any potential risks.
Imaging tests: Imaging studies like an ultrasound or CT scan may be performed to get a better view of the hernia.
Potential Risks and Complications
While generally safe, inguinal hernia surgery carries standard surgical risks. These include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications. Following post-operative care instructions carefully helps minimize these risks. Patients should monitor for unusual symptoms and maintain regular follow-up appointments. If you experience any concerning symptoms during your recovery, be sure to contact your doctor.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Dubai
Choosing the right surgeon for inguinal hernia surgery is crucial for success. Dr. Serralta is a renowned hernia specialist and general surgeon with extensive experience treating all hernias. He uses the latest surgical techniques and is committed to providing patients with the best care.
Conclusion
Inguinal hernia surgery is a safe and effective treatment for this common condition. By understanding the procedure, the recovery process, and the potential risks, you can decide whether surgery is right for you. If you experience symptoms of an inguinal hernia, consult Dr. Daniel Serralta, a qualified surgeon, to discuss your treatment options.