Conditions:
Hernias
What is a hernia?
Hernias are very common and can occur anywhere where the muscles of the abdomen become weak or tear. This may lead to contents within the abdominal cavity pushing the abdominal lining through this weakness to form a balloon like sac. This sac is seen and felt as a lump which usually gets bigger with coughing or straining.
Where do hernias occur?
The majority of hernias occur in the groin, known as inguinal or femoral hernias. Other common types of hernias are around the belly button (umbilical hernia), below the breastbone (epigastric hernia) or at the site of a previous operation (incisional hernia).
What problems do hernias cause?
A hernia initially simply causes a lump. As it progresses, it often causes discomfort, made worse with straining. Hernias usually get bigger with time.
The most serious complication of hernias is when organs such as the bowel become entrapped within them. This can lead to a condition called strangulated hernia which is extremely dangerous and requires emergency surgery.
Should all hernias be repaired?
Except for umbilical hernias in young children, hernias should be repaired to prevent serious complications and to relieve symptoms. In people with serious medical problems, hernia repair is sometimes not possible because of the risks of anaesthesia. Hernia repair can however be performed under local rather than general anaesthesia which reduces the risk.
It is always safer to repair a hernia as an elective procedure, rather than in an emergency setting.
How is a hernia repaired and can it be done with keyhole surgery?
There are two ways hernias can be repaired, namely open and keyhole surgery. Dr Fenton-Lee routinely performs keyhole surgery for hernia repair.
Keyhole surgery has major advantages over open surgery for hernia repair, namely
- Less post operative pain
- Quicker recovery time and return to normal activities
- Smaller incisions
- Ability to repair right and left groin hernias via same incision
- Technically easier to perform, in patients with recurrent hernias.
Click on laparoscopic hernia repair to learn more about this technique.
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