A hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall which abdominal contents can protrude. This often happens in the weak points where vessels pass through such as in the groin area (inguinal hernia), or around the belly button (umbilical hernia). A hernia can occur at the site of past operation (incisional hernia). Surgery is usually necessary to repair these weaknesses.
If you suspect you have a hernia, Mr Andrew Clarke offers hernia surgery in Dorset. Some hernias do not always need surgery, however if you are suffering from pain or symptoms, we recommend seeking a review.
In some cases, if a hernia is showing signs of complications, your doctor will recommend surgery if the following symptoms arrive:
● If the hernia is causing pain, discomfort and limiting activity
● If the hernia is enlarging
● If the tissue has become trapped in your abdominal wall, this is called incarceration and will need to dealt with expediently
● If your hernia has become strangulated – this is a surgical emergency requiring urgent intervention.
The two types of hernia surgery are:
Laparoscopic surgery : With Laparoscopic surgery, you will need a general anaesthetic. Small incisions in the abdominal wall are made so that a tiny camera and surgical instruments can be inserted to repair the hernia. Your abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas, which allows the surgeon to view the hernia from the inside. Mesh is used to repair the weakness. The use of mesh is safe in this setting and reduces the risk of symptoms and recurrence longer term. The majority of all hernia repairs in the UK use mesh
The recovery time for Laparoscopic surgery tends to be quicker and the risk of long term discomfort from the repair is reduced compared with its open counterpart. The surgeon will choose which approach is suitable for your situation.
Open surgery: Open surgery is also carried out under general anaesthesia. An incision is made through the skin over the hernia to allow access to the weakened area and mesh is used to repair. This surgery can take longer to recover from and there is a risk of chronic groin pain compared with laparoscopic surgery.
Hernia surgery is typically a safe surgery. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks:
● Infections
● Feeling sore and some pain
● Blood clots
● The hernia could return (recurrence)
The recommended hernia repair surgery is a laparoscopic surgery, which involves making smaller incisions compared to an open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, has fewer associated risks, and recovery is much faster. However, the type of surgery that is performed is dependent on your situation.
Recovery time for double hernia surgery can vary for each patient depending on their condition. Around a week to a fortnight following key hole surgery normal activities such as driving and light exercise can resume but heavy lifting and strenuous activity may take a little longer. It is always recommended to seek your doctor’s advice before doing anything strenuous.
Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. You will also likely be able to go home on the same day.
The main symptom is a visible bulge in your groin area. There are two types of hernias, hernias that go back and forth through the opening in the abdomen, and hernias that cannot be moved back into the abdomen (incarcerated hernia).
Symptoms of hernias that go back and forth are: a bulge that increases in size when you strain and disappears when you lie down, sudden pain in your groin or scrotum when exercising or straining, and a feeling of weakness, pressure, burning, or aching in your groin or scrotum.
Symptoms of incarcerated hernias are: sever pain and redness, pain that keeps getting worse, fever, rapid heart rate, and nausea and vomiting.
If you are in need of hernia surgery in Dorset, or would like to speak to a specialist about your options, get in touch with Mr Andrew Clarke or the clinic today to discuss next steps on 07501150298.