Why is this procedure done?
The belly wall covers the center of your body. It keeps your stomach and other body organs in place. Sometimes, your belly wall becomes weak. If this happens in the area near the top of your leg, you may get a groin hernia. The area between your belly and your upper leg is your groin. Organs may bulge or swell through the weak spot on the belly wall and get stuck. A hernia repair surgery fixes this weakness in the wall. Then, your organs stay in place. You may have this on one side of your body or on both sides. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your doctor will fix the weak areas of the belly wall and the hernia will be gone. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- CAT scan
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Take a bath or shower before the procedure. You may be asked to use special soap or wipes to wash your belly. This will help to prevent a skin infection.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make a small cut over your hernia. The doctor fixes the hernia by moving the organs back into place.
- The muscles around the hernia will be sewn back into place. This will fix the hole or weakened part. If the hernia is large your doctor may use mesh to repair the hole. This may help keep the hernia from happening again.
- Your doctor will close your cuts with stitches or staples and cover them with clean bandages.
- The procedure most often takes less than 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after the surgery. The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain.
- You can go home after your surgery. In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat high-fiber foods and keep a healthy weight.
- Learn an exercise program to strengthen the muscles on the belly area. This may lower the chance of your hernia coming back.
- Avoid heavy lifting after your surgery so that the hernia does not come back.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Bowel blockage
- Lung infection
- Hernia happens again
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚