Hernias and hernia operations

• Pain or contraction in the area of the hernia when straining or standing.
• A visible bulge in the abdomen.

In general, hernias appear for the first time when you lift something or strain yourself. The commonest hernias are inguinal (groin) hernias and umbilical (navel) hernias.

When is surgery required?

Hernias that do not give any symptoms do not necessarily require treatment. A hernia can only be repaired with an operation; medication and self-care do not help.
A hernia operation involves the weak point being strengthened, currently this is almost always done using a hernia mesh, and the hernia sac is removed.

The surgical method, either open or laparoscopic surgery, is always decided on the basis of the patient. Open surgery is performed with either local or general anaesthetic, while laparoscopic surgery is preferably performed with the patient under general anaesthetic.

After the operation

The recovery depends on where the hernia was located, the surgical technique and how large the hernia was. It is desirable for the patient to become mobile as soon as possible after the surgery.

If the hernia was large, a truss is worn for 4–6 weeks following the surgery, otherwise there are no limitations on how much the patient can lift.

The surgical wound is closed with stitches that either dissolve themselves or are removed. Following a hernia operation, the patient is off work for 1–3 weeks.