Hernia Repair Surgery

What is a Hernia?

Hernia risk factors

Types of Hernia surgery in Iran

How is a Hernia Repaired?

Recovery time after hernia surgery

What is a bilateral inguinal hernia?

How long does it take to recover from a inguinal hernia surgery?

Is inguinal hernia surgery painful?

What causes bilateral inguinal hernia?

Do all inguinal hernias need surgery?

How long is bilateral hernia surgery?

Hernia Repair Surgery is performed by highly skilled consultants and surgeons in Iran at the best hospitals having most advanced techniques. Iranian surgery is a medical value provider in Iran having association with the best surgeons and hospitals, providing world-class treatment at affordable rates.

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What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal wall weaken then bulge or tear. The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area to form a balloon-like sac. This, in turn, can cause a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to slip into the sac, causing severe pain and other potentially serious health problems.

The weakened abdominal wall can be present at birth or may develop later in life. The most common site is the groin, but hernias can also form in other areas, such as the navel. If the lump can be gently pushed back through the abdominal wall, it is known as a reducible hernia. If the lump resists manual pressure, it is a non-reducible hernia, which can mean serious complications.

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What are the symptoms of hernias?

Most people with hernias have a common set of signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms are as follows;

• An aching sensation on the abdomen or the groin that is more apparent when you are active, bending over or lifting things.
• An obvious swelling beneath the skin of the abdomen or groin that is visible while standing up.
• Most of the time the bulge can be pushed in or it goes back on its own when you lie down.
• If the hernia becomes extremely painful and hard then it may be incarcerated or trapped. This means that the fat or loop of intestine is now stuck in the hernia and is in danger of becoming gangrenous. This is referred to as strangulation. If you suspect that your hernia maybe incarcerated or trapped, then you should seek medical help immediately.

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Hernia risk factors

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. Risk factors for the development of a hernia include: smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, pregnancy, peritoneal dialysis, collagen vascular disease, and previous open appendectomy, among others.

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Types of Hernia surgery in Iran

A hernia can occur anywhere in your abdomen (the part of your body between the chest and the hips). There are several types of hernia:

Inguinal Hernia – It occurs when part of the bowel pushes through the abdomen into the groin (the area at the front of the body where your thighs meet your abdomen). It is more common in men than in women. In this, the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin. About 80% of hernias are inguinal hernia.

Femoral Hernia – It occurs when fatty tissues push through into the groin, at the top of the inner thigh and appear as a fixed lump. A femoral hernia occurs when the intestine enters the canal carrying the femoral artery into the upper thigh. Femoral hernias are most common in women, especially those who are pregnant or obese.

Incisional Hernia – It occurs when fatty tissue pushes through a surgical wound in the abdomen that has not fully healed. This type is most common in elderly or overweight people who are inactive after abdominal surgery.

Umbilical Hernia – It occurs when fatty tissue pushes through the abdomen near the navel or belly button. it appears as a round lump of fat pushing the belly button outward. This is one of the most common hernias. Common in newborns, it also commonly afflicts obese women or those who have had many children.

Hiatal Hernia – It occurs when part of your stomach pushes up into your chest by squeezing through an opening in the diaphragm.

Epigastric Hernia – It occurs when fatty tissue pushes through your abdomen, between your navel and the lower part of your sternum (breastbone).

Spigelian Hernia – It occurs when part of your bowel pushes through your abdomen at the side of your stomach muscle, below your navel.

Muscle Hernia – It occurs when part of your muscle pushes through your abdomen and can also occur in the muscles in your leg, often as the result of a sports injury.

What is the cost of umbilical hernia surgery and inguinal hernia surgery?

Across several hospitals in Iran, the cost of hernia surgery starts from $500 and comes to $2500 depending on the type of surgery open or laparoscopic surgery.
Cost of umbilical Inguinal hernia surgery in Iran start from $650.
Cost of Inguinal hernia surgery in Iran start from $500.

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How is a Hernia Repaired?

There are several different procedures that can be used for fixing any specific type of hernia. In the open surgical approach, following appropriate anesthesia and sterilization of the surgical site, an incision is made over the area of the hernia and carried down carefully through the sequential tissue layers. This is to separate away all the normal tissue and define the margins of the hole or weakness.

Once this has been achieved, the hole is then closed, usually by some combination of suture and a plastic mesh. When a repair is done by suture alone, the edges of the defect are pulled together, much like sewing a hole together in a piece of cloth. In order to provide a secure repair and avoid the stress on the adjacent tissue caused by pulling the hole closed, an alternative technique was developed which bridges the hole or weakness with a piece of plastic-like mesh or screen material. The mesh is a permanent material and, when sewn to the margins of the defect, it allows the body’s normal healing process to incorporate it into the local structures. After the hernia repair is completed, the overlying tissues and skin are surgically closed, usually with absorbable sutures. More and more of hernia repairs are now being done using laparoscopic techniques.

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Recovery time after hernia surgery

Recovery time after surgery depends on the type of hernia you have and the type of procedure required. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are usually able to go home the same day and are able to walk the night of the surgery. Some patients, especially those who have had abdominal wall reconstructions or component separations, may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Discomfort after hernia surgery

Discomfort is typically handled with over-the-counter medication, although some patients may require a combination of over-the-counter and opioid-based medication.

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Follow-up appointments after hernia surgery

All patients need a follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery to ensure that their pain is well controlled and there are no infections. Patients with more complex procedures may have complex bandages or negative pressure dressings that need evaluation, and we need to ensure that any surgical drains are performing properly to avoid infection. Depending on the patient’s progress, a second follow-up appointment may be necessary.

Postoperative Restrictions

After surgery, most patients will be asked to avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks, though more complicated patients may have differing limitations. Different patients will have individual restrictions, but in general, you should be as active as your provider permits. If you have any questions or health concerns after your surgery, contact your provider right away.

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What is a bilateral inguinal hernia?

Hernia bilateral. A bilateral hernia is a type of inguinal or groin hernia that occurs in both sides of the lower abdomen. Hernias may not be painful when they first occur. However if left unattended the weak spot can grow and simple acts like coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects can be painful.

What is bilateral inguinal hernia repair?

Inguinal hernia repair is surgery to repair a hernia in your groin. A hernia is tissue that bulges out of a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Your intestine may bulge out through this weakened area.

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How long does it take to recover from a inguinal hernia surgery?

Most people who have laparoscopic hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about 1 to 2 weeks. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 4 weeks of recovery.

Is inguinal hernia surgery painful?

When you have surgery to repair a painful inguinal hernia (where soft tissue bulges through a weak part of your abdominal wall) you likely expect the surgery to relieve your pain. And most patients feel better by a few weeks after surgery. However, some patients end up with chronic groin pain.

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What causes bilateral inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. An inguinal hernia isn’t necessarily dangerous.

What causes inguinal hernia?

The cause of inguinal hernias isn’t always known, but they could be the result of weak spots in the abdominal wall. Weaknesses can be due to defects present at birth or formed later in life. Some risk factors for inguinal hernia include: fluid or pressure in the abdomen.

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Can I walk after hernia surgery?

You should also be able to return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, although you may need more time off if your job involves manual labour. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about 4 to 6 weeks.

What foods should I avoid with inguinal hernia?

Include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fibre and will make it easier to avoid straining during bowel movements. Do not smoke. Smoking can cause coughing, which can cause your hernia to bulge.

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Do all inguinal hernias need surgery?

The hernia won’t heal on its own. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through. In some cases small, painless hernias never need repair.

Can I climb stairs after hernia surgery?

There are no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn’t hurt. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.

How long is bilateral hernia surgery?

The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you’ll usually be able to go home on the same day.

Some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or live on their own.

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How long does it take to recover from a double hernia operation?

Your incision(s) may be sore for two or three days and may be swollen, bruised, tender, or numb. It’s all normal and should go away within a few weeks. Most people who have open hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about 3 weeks.

You most likely can return to light activity after 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 6 weeks of recovery.

Don’t do anything that causes pain. You’ll probably be able to drive again in about 2 weeks or when you have no pain in your groin. You can have sexual intercourse in about 3 weeks.

Swelling over the incision is common after hernia surgery. It doesn’t mean that the surgery was unsuccessful. To reduce swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Do this every 1 to 2 hours. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• The incision is noticeably warm and red.
• A testicle is hard and swollen.
• Your wound is bleeding through your bandage.
• You have a fever.

How long can you wait to have hernia surgery?

Hernias cannot heal on their own; if left untreated, they usually get bigger and more painful, and can cause serious health risks in some cases. Surgery for a hernia is somewhat inevitable in most cases. Research shows that most people with hernias have surgery within 10 years. Keep in mind that delaying surgery until your hernia is larger and the muscles are weaker may make surgery and recovery more difficult.

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Is laparoscopic hernia surgery painful?

The hernia causes pain or discomfort, or it’s growing larger.  It is expected that your scrotum may be slightly swollen or tender. Along with the use of oral pain medications you can use ice packs to help. This is expected and will go away with time. In most cases, the area will be sore as you heal. But some people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after surgery for a groin hernia, for example. Experts think the procedure may damage certain nerves. Laparoscopic surgery may cause less pain than an open procedure.

Which surgery is best for hernia open or laparoscopy?

The two techniques which can be used for hernia repair are the traditional open surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. Both techniques offer excellent outcomes and only differ based on a few subtle areas.

• Open Hernia Repair
• Most common technique used for hernia repair. Techniques vary widely from surgeon to surgeon.
• Can be done under local anesthesia with sedation.
• Hernia is fixed on the outside by opening the muscles over the weakness.
• Requires standard surgical equipment.
• Recurrence rates of 1-2% and infection rates of <1%.
• Basic preoperative workup is required.
• 4-5 cm incision in the groin or bikini area.
• Mesh is placed behind the muscle and above the muscle. The mesh is sutured in place.
• On average, 1/3 of patients have little to no pain after surgery. 2/3 have moderate pain post op.
• All patients will return to normal activities within 1-3 weeks.
• Most cost effective option for cash patients.
• Surgery is usually about 30-45 minutes in length.
• Even the largest, most complex hernias can be repaired.
• Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
• Less common approach for hernia repair. Requires advanced training.
• Requires complete general anesthesia.
• Hernia is fixed from the inside, behind the muscles where the weakness is located.
• Requires advanced laparoscopic equipment.
• Recurrence rates of 1-2% and infection rates of <1%.
• Occasionally requires more advanced workup because general anesthesia is used.
• 1-2 cm incision next to the belly button, and 2 small punctures below the belly button.
• Mesh is placed only behind the muscle, and is secured in place with absorbable sutures.
• On average, 2/3 of patients have little to no pain after surgery. 1/3 have moderate pain post op.
• All patients will return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
• Higher costs for cash patients due to the additional laparoscopic equipment needed.
• Surgery is about 45-60 minutes in length.
• Some large, chronic, long standing hernias can be difficult to repair.

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Is laparoscopic hernia repair better?

Based on this large randomized clinical trial, laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is an effective technique with recurrence rates comparable with open repair. Perioperative complications, however, were significantly higher after laparoscopic repair.

What type of anesthesia is used for laparoscopic hernia surgery?

Open inguinal hernia repair is often carried out under local anaesthetic or a regional anaesthetic injected into the spine. This means you’ll be awake during the procedure, but the area being operated on will be numbed so you won’t experience any pain. In some cases, a general anaesthetic is used, laparoscopic hernia repair is always done under general anesthesia. If the idea of general anesthesia makes you nervous, it shouldn’t.

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Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?

Most of the time, swelling after hernia surgery is normal and not a sign of a problem. The most common reason for swelling is the body’s normal response to surgery. In the beginning phases of healing, the body produces extra fluid that helps with the healing process.

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