Hernia Surgery

Procedures

A hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, often due to repeated strain, injury, or previous abdominal surgery.

What are the symptoms of a hernia?

A hernia typically presents as a lump or bulge, often more noticeable on standing, coughing and heavvy lifting. Some hernias can be less obvious, particularly when located deeper in the abdominal wall.

Other signs of a hernia may include pain or discomfort, often more severe with physical activity, and a feeling of weight or pressure in the abdomen or groin.

How do you treat a hernia?

Hernias do not usually go away on their own, although surgery is not always necessary. The recommended treatment depends on factors such as the type of hernia, the associated symptoms and your overall health.

Surgery may be recommended if a hernia causes persistent pain or discomfort, gradually increases in size, has developed complications or is impacting your everyday activities or quality of life.

Surgical Repair

Hernia repair involves returning the protruding tissue to its normal position and reinforcing the weakened abdominal wall, usually with placement of a surgical mesh. Where appropriate, repair may be performed by laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, typically resulting in smaller incisions, less postoperative pain and a faster return to normal life.

Open or traditional surgery involves a larger incision, allowing direct access to the hernia and the weakened abdominal wall. This approach may be recommended for large, complex or recurrent hernias, or where it is considered the safest approach for the patient. Reinforcement may involve sutures, surgical mesh or a combination of both techniques.

Do hernias have complications?

Most hernias are not emergencies, but complications can occur.

An incarcerated hernia occurs when the protruding tissue cannot be pushed back into the abdomen. This can cause persistent pain, swelling and tenderness.

Strangulation occurs when the blood supply to the trapped tissue is reduced or cut off causing damage to the tissue, usually warranting urgent surgical intervention.

If part of the bowel becomes trapped within a hernia, it can become obstructed. Signs of obstruction may include abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty passing wind or bowel movements.

What are the signs of a complications?

Thee following symptoms may indicate a complication requiring urgent assessment.

A hernia that becomes suddenly painful, firm or tender.
A hernia that can no longer be gently pushed back into the abdomen.
An increase in redness, swelling or discolouration of the area.
Severe or worsening abdominal pain, particularly with associated nausea or vomiting.
Difficulty passing wind or bowel movements.

Common Types of Hernia

Ventral

Hernia

A ventral hernia develops through a weakness in the front abdominal wall, causing a bulge or discomfort. Surgical management depends on its size, symptoms and individual circumstances.

Incisional

Hernia

An incisional hernia develops through a weakness at the site of previous abdominal surgery. It can range from a small, painless defect to a larger or more complex hernia, often requiring repair.

Umbilical

Hernia

An umbilical hernia develops in or around the belly button. In adults, these hernias generally do not heal on their own and may require surgical repair if they become symptomatic or enlarge.

Inguinal (Groin)

Hernia

An inguinal hernia develops in the groin and is the most common type of hernia. You may notice a bulge or discomfort in the groin, particularly with heavy lifting, coughing or straining.

Femoral (Groin)

Hernia

A femoral hernia is less common than an inguinal hernia and develops just below the groin. Due to the higher risk of becoming trapped or strangulated, surgical repair is generally recommended.

Parastomal

Hernia

A parastomal hernia develops around an existing stoma due to weakness in the abdominal wall. It may cause a bulge, pain or discomfort, or difficulty fitting or managing the stoma.