Hernias most commonly occur in the groin (an inguinal or femoral hernia), where bowel or fat pushes out through the weakness and presents as a lump.
Sometimes, people notice pain in the groin before a lump appears. Pain could be a sign of an early hernia. Hernias also occur at other weak points in the muscle wall such as the belly button (umbilicus) or in the diaphragm. The stomach can push up through a hole in the diaphragm, into the chest. This is known as a hiatus hernia and can lead to acid reflux (see surgical treatment for acid reflux).
Hernias are more common if you are overweight or cough a lot (associated with asthma, bronchitis or smoking). They can also occur if the muscle has been weakened by previous surgery or infection.
Should I have my hernia treated?
If hernias become large or uncomfortable then it is recommended that they are treated. Treatment involves repairing the muscle weakness with an operation. A small painless hernia can be left, but if you are young it is likely to cause problems in the future and is often better treated early when surgery is more likely to be successful.
If a hernia lump pushes out, becomes painful and does not want to go back in, then this requires urgent medical attention. If left, there is a possibility that bowel can block in the hernia and may need to be removed. This type of hernia (strangulated) is serious and potentially life threatening.
Operative treatment involves closing the hole and repairing it with stitches or a gauze patch to stop it coming back. This can either be done via a cut through the muscle wall over the hernia lump (open operation), or through small cuts where the gauze is placed below the muscle (laparoscopic operation).
Surgical Advantages
What are the risks of surgery?
All operations carry some degree of risk. The risks associated with hernia surgery are very small. There is a very small risk of heart or breathing problems related to having an anaesthetic. There is a small risk of wound infection or bleeding. There is a risk of nerve or blood vessel injury leading to numbness or chronic pain after the operation. In men, during recurrent groin hernia surgery there is an increased risk of damage to the blood supply to the testicle on that side. These are all less with laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery. There is a risk of developing a fluid collection where the hernia used to be. The risk of this is greater with laparoscopic surgery than with open surgery. There is a risk of a recurrent hernia. In experienced hands, this risk is the same for laparoscopic as it is for open surgery. The risk of recurrence should be less than 1 in 20, although this can increase to 1 in 3 for certain types of hernia.
With larger hernias such as incisional or hiatal hernias there is a small but significant risk of damage to bowel or stomach during the procedure. This may mean that the procedure would have to be abandoned after the damage is repaired. If not identified immediately, such damage is likely to require further surgery and in rare circumstances can potentially be life threatening.
We re happy to discuss any questions you may have about the use of a mesh/gauze patch in hernia surgery.
Day Surgery
Most laparoscopic hernia operations are carried out as day surgery, without the need for an overnight stay. When you arrive you will be admitted to the ward area by the attending nurse. You will be seen by the surgeon and anaesthetist prior to the operation and will have opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
The surgeon will confirm with you the type of operation that has been agreed, will explain the operation in detail, including any potential complications. You will be asked to sign a consent form if this has not already been done and the site of the hernia will be marked with a pen.
You will be asleep during the procedure if it is laparoscopic. The surgeon makes small cuts (usually three), all less than a centimetre long. A camera is inserted underneath the muscle and gas used to open the space. The hole in the muscle is identified. It may contain fat or bowel which is replaced in its original position. The hole is then covered with a sheet of mesh, which closes the hole and stops bowel pushing back out again. The mesh is sometimes secured in place with stitches or metal clips. The small skin holes are then closed with stitches or glue.
It is usual to feel some discomfort when you wake, but this can be easily controlled with simple pain killers. There is normally no restriction to activity after laparoscopic hernia surgery. In fact we encourage you to get up and walk about straight away after surgery. This reduces the risk of complications such as blood clots and allows for an earlier recovery.
Most people should be able to return to full, normal activity within 1 – 2 weeks after laparoscopic hernia surgery. If your work involves particularly heavy exertion you may prefer to have a longer period of recuperation. We would be happy to discuss this with your occupational health department.
Looking after your wounds
The glue used to close your wounds both holds the wound together and acts as a bandage to protect from infection.
When dry, the glue looks like a scab which should not be picked off. The scab will gradually lift off after 7-10 days.
It is OK to shower after surgery. The wounds can get wet, but should be gently patted dry with a clean towel. Avoid soaking for long periods or applying oils or creams as this may weaken the glue.
If the wound is on an area that rubs on clothes, you may wish to cover the glued area with a light dressing. On the rare occasion of the wound opening or weeping then a dressing should also be applied.
If the wound becomes red, painful or swollen, or if you have any concerns, you should seek urgent medical advice.