What is hernia surgery
What is a Hiatal Hernia?
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest (diaphragm).
Your diaphragm has a small opening (hiatus) through which your food tube (esophagus) passes before connecting to your stomach. In a hiatal hernia, the stomach pushes up through that opening and into your chest.
A small hiatal hernia usually doesn't cause problems. You may never know you have one unless your doctor discovers it when checking for another condition.
But a large hiatal hernia can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus, leading to heartburn. Self-care measures or medications can usually relieve these symptoms. A very large hiatal hernia might require surgery.
10 common questions about What is hernia surgery
1Is a hernia surgery serious?
Hernia Surgery Risks
This type of operation is normally very safe. But like all surgeries, having your hernia removed comes with a number of possible complications. ... But some people develop chronic, long-lasting pain after surgery for a groin hernia, for example.
2How long is recovery from hernia surgery?
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.
3How is hernia surgery done?
The hernia sac is removed or the hernia is gently pushed back into your abdomen. The surgeon then closes your weakened abdominal muscles with stitches. Often a piece of mesh is also sewn into place to strengthen your abdominal wall. This repairs the weakness in the wall of your abdomen
4What is a hernia and what causes it?
Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time. Common causes of muscle weakness include: failure of the abdominal wall to close properly in the womb, which is a congenital defect
5How long do you stay in the hospital after hernia surgery?
After Surgery
Hernia repair surgery normally only requires a 23-hour or less stay. Most patients go home the same day. Abdominal wall hernia repairs may require up to a two-day hospital stay due to the internal stitches and healing that is required
6Can a hernia burst and kill you?
The part of the intestine that isn't getting enough blood can burst and die and, if not treated, can kill you. A "sports hernia" isn't really a hernia. It's a torn muscle in your lower belly that can cause pain in the same place as a real hernia
7Can you walk after hernia surgery?
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. You may find sex painful or uncomfortable at first, but it's usually fine to have sex when you feel like it
8Do you lose weight after hernia surgery?
You can greatly reduce your risk for complications and improve your outcome after hernia surgery by losing weight and reducing your BMI prior to surgery. ... Typically, after adequate weight loss is achieved, either through weight loss surgery or diet and exercise, repair of the hernia can be performed
9Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Although surgery is the only treatment that can repair hernias, many surgical procedures are elective for adult inguinal hernias. Watchful waiting is an option for people who do not have complications or symptoms with their hernias, and if recommended by their surgeon.
10How painful is hernia surgery?
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