Abdominal Hernias

Abdominal hernias occur when a sac, that may contain fat or bowel, passes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall.  Such hernias, or ruptures, may first become apparent as a lump or the area may be painful.  The hernia may disappear when the patient lies flat.  The most common hernias are groin hernias and include inguinal hernia and femoral hernia.  They occur in both men and women.  Other common sites where hernias may occur are around the umbilicus or at a point some distance between the umbilicus and the breastbone.

The problem with hernias is that they can increase in size and become painful.  They also may become irreducible or strangulate.  Patients with hernias are best seen by surgeons who deal with this condition and who will be able to discuss with them the pros and cons of surgical repair (herniorrhaphy).

Abdominal hernias can be treated surgically, if appropriate.   Techniques for their repair include laparoscopic (telescope) procedures or open procedures through a cut in the groin.  For inguinal hernias, the most common abdominal hernia, it is my preferred practice to undertake a Lichtenstein mesh repair which involves pushing the hernia back and reinforcing the canal with a piece of mesh that is then sutured in place.

Every operation has a slight risk involved with it but the vast majority of patients have no problem.  The potential risks and complications that I would discuss with you are those of haemorrhage, infection, recurrence and pain.

On most occasions the patient can be treated as a day case, provided there is a responsible person to collect them from Hospital and be with them for the first post-operative night.  Normal daily activities are possible almost straight away with the post-operative pain being controlled by painkillers.  I caution against driving for two weeks, in case there are problems applying pressure to the pedals should an emergency stop be required.  The level of physical activity can be increased slowly over the subsequent weeks and usually the patient is back to full activities by six to eight weeks.