Hernia treatment in Droitwich Spa, UK.

HERNIA

What is a hernia?

Hernia is abnormal protrusion of tummy contents through a weakness in the wall. Most common site for developing hernia is groin. It is much more common in men compared to women.

Do I need a scan to diagnose hernia?

Hernia is usually diagnosed by clinical examination by a specialist. However ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan might be used in special circumstances to help exclude other cause and plan treatment.

Why did I develop hernia?

A weakness in the muscles and connective tissue of abdominal wall is usually the cause for developing a Hernia. Health conditions that increase the abdominal pressure such as chronic cough and constipation contribute to the cause of Hernia. A regular and repeated activity that increases abdominal pressure such as heavy weight lifting is also known to contribute towards developing a Hernia.

Will I get back to normal after hernia repair?

Majority of patients live a perfectly healthy life after Hernia repair. They are able to do all physical activities, which they were able to do before developing Hernia. Patients are advised not to do heavy physical activity for a certain number of days to help Hernia repair heal without complications. It is important to take professional advice from the Surgeon before restarting physical activity, exercise and sports.

What are the treatment options?

Watchful waiting

Patients who have minimal or no symptoms could delay surgery to repair Hernia. Research suggests about 70% of patients who delay groin Hernia Surgery will develop symptoms that require Hernia repair.

Mesh or no-mesh repair?

Research has shown that mesh repair of Hernia is safe and significantly reduces Hernia recurrence rates. The mesh placed in Hernia repair is not in direct contact with bowel. It is not considered a risk for erosion into bowel.

hernia repair

Extraperitoneal (TEP)

With three small cuts a space is created in the tummy wall which is inflated with carbon dioxide. All Hernia sacs are reduced. A mesh is placed to cover all potential Hernia defects and the space is deflated to close. Over a period of few weeks the mesh gets integrated in body tissues to prevent future Hernia developing through the defects.

Transabdominal (TAPP)

In this technique, with three small cuts the tummy cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide. A space is created in tummy wall from inside to reduce Hernia and place a mesh covering all potential Hernia defects. Research has not shown any major difference in complications or outcomes of these two approaches.

Open Hernia Repair

This has been in practice since the modern surgical practice evolved. It is still commonly performed worldwide especially in elderly people with significant health problems and large Hernia that are difficult to repair by keyhole surgery.