Hernia types and their development
Hernia types are grouped as follows:
- abdominal hernia
- inguinal hernia
- umbilical hernia
- femoral hernia
Most abdominal hernias are inguinal, with other hernias affecting other areas such as umbilical hernias, hernias near the navel and those resulting from previous surgery. Hernias can be congenital, but there are also predisposing conditions such as obesity, heavy physical work or pregnancy. In addition, hernias can also develop in the scars of abdominal surgery, especially if wound infection occurs during healing.
Inguinal hernias are more common in men, and the hernia develops through a canal formed during the descent of the testicle. When the intestinal segment is in the scrotum, it is called a testicular hernia. In women, true inguinal hernias are less common, and femoral hernias are more common. Abdominal hernias are usually detected by physical examination, but abdominal ultrasound, CT and MRI scans can also detect their presence.
Symptoms and consequences of a hernia
Although it usually causes no symptoms initially, in time inguinal hernia symptoms can include burning, stabbing and acute pain, caused mainly by pulling forces exerted on the peritoneum and intestinal lining.
- Inguinal hernias can enlarge over time and cause aesthetic complaints.
- The skin over the hernia gate may thin and die over time, forming a spontaneous fistula.
- The real danger of abdominal hernias is hernia exclusion, whereby the hernia contents that previously moved through the hernia gate are excluded in the hernia sac, the tissues becoming abnormally swollen with fluid.
- Initially, this swelling may disappear after reinserting the hernia contents, but in such a case, depending on the time interval, the viability of the reinserted contents is not guaranteed, i.e., intestinal necrosis may develop.
- Over time, however, the intestine’s venous circulation may be disturbed and, as the intestinal wall edema increases, the arterial circulation may be damaged, leading to definitive intestinal necrosis, with the release of bacteria, toxins and free radicals, causing local and then systemic infection, bloodstream infection and ultimately death.
Types of abdominal hernia surgery
There are different solutions for the surgical treatment of hernias, for the closure of the hernia gate, and for the strengthening of the abdominal connective tissue, which is determined on an individual basis. Thus, the approach (open or laparoscopic surgery) and the size and type of surgical supporting mesh are determined individually.
Open hernia surgery
Open hernia surgery is performed through an incision over the affected area. The hernia sac is released from its surroundings and the hernia contents are then reinserted, with or without an incision, into the abdominal cavity. If necessary, excess tissue is removed and the hernia flap is closed via suturing and/or covered with polypropylene mesh. The procedure is performed under either general or spinal anesthesia. The procedure will vary from person to person, depending on the hernia’s size and severity. If the operation involves surgical mesh implantation, antibiotic prophylaxis is always required and is given to our patients in the operating theater.
Excluded inguinal hernia surgery
In the case of an excluded inguinal hernia, an open hernia operation is also performed under general anesthesia, with a similar procedure until the hernia sac is reached. The viability of the hernia contents excluded in the hernia sac is assessed and, if necessary, the dead omentum (the layers of the peritoneum that connect to the stomach) of the intestinal section are removed. The abdominal wall is sutured, at which point the use of surgical mesh is not always possible. A Redon suction drain is placed in the abdominal wall for surgical wound drainage.
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery
There are alternatives to open abdominal hernia surgery, such as laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery, which involves inserting a laparoscope via 3 small incisions, viewing its image in real time on a high-resolution monitor and using two auxiliary channels to perform the surgery. Since there is no abdominal wall separation with this method, there is less postoperative pain, fewer abdominal wall infections, a shorter hospital stay, and the strengthening of the abdominal wall happens sooner.
Abdominal hernia after prior surgery
In the case of abdominal wall hernias or hernias around the navel that have developed after prior surgery, open hernia surgery is performed until the hernia sac is reached. Once the hernia sac is in place, the abdominal wall is sutured, with the surgical mesh placed under or over the muscle layer (sublay, onlay). A Redon suction drain is then placed in the abdominal wall’s surgical wound.
The postoperative hernia surgery period
Patients spend a night in our inpatient ward after inguinal hernia surgery. After returning home the next day, physical rest is important for a few weeks, followed by gradual exercise and a gentle lifestyle. After several weeks, our patients can resume their normal lifestyle. Wound healing takes about 7 days. We use absorbable sutures, so suture removal is not necessary. Complete relief from symptoms is expected in 1-2 weeks for laparoscopic procedures and in 4-6 weeks for other procedures.
During the home recovery period, it is not usually necessary to change the dressing that was applied in hospital. The wound should be kept dry for 5 days. If the dressing is damaged or the wound bleeds through, it can be replaced with a dry covering bandage. In most cases, no special rehabilitation is necessary, a gentle lifestyle is sufficient.
The postoperative check-up is scheduled after 1 week. The anti-inflammatory and thromboprophylaxis measures should be continued for the period specified by the doctor. Most of our patients are usually free of symptoms and complaints at the time of the first check-up.
The incidence of complications after inguinal hernia surgery is rare, their development depends on the accompanying diseases and congenital features, and most of them resolve with medication, and only in rare cases may require further surgery.
Hernia surgery fees
You can find our current fees under the prices menu.
WHY CHOOSE DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL?
- Highly skilled specialists, modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Our surgical care is designed to provide comprehensive patient care and the highest quality treatments.
- Personalized care. In our specialized clinics, we create an individual treatment plan for each of our patients, considering their individual needs and condition.
- An empathetic, patient-oriented approach. Our specialists always keep the comfort and safety of our patients in mind.
- A premium quality inpatient department. 3 operating theaters and 24 patient rooms with 33 beds to meet all your needs. The highest professional standards are combined with an exclusive environment for healing where you can recover in safety and complete peace of mind.
- Fast and predictable appointments. We will arrange an appointment for the necessary intervention within 1-2 weeks of your first consultation with a specialist.
For any hernia-related complaints, please feel free to contact the surgeons at Dr. Rose Private Hospital.
