Hernia Surgery
How do I know if I have a hernia?
It is usually easy to detect a hernia. You will notice a well-localized and softened increase in skin volume. You may feel when lifting heavy objects, coughing, straining when urinating or evacuating, or when standing for a long time.
Why do people have hernias?
The abdominal wall has naturally more fragile areas. These regions can give rise to hernias due to great strain, age or in previously operated regions. Anyone can have a hernia. Hernias in children are mostly congenital. In adults, the most common causes are beyond age or great efforts, in patients with chronic lung problems where there is persistent cough or in obese patients. In male patients with prostate problems where there is a constant need for an abdominal press. People with bowel problems may also have hernia more often.
How is the surgery?
Hernia surgery can be performed conventionally with a cut or minimally invasive (Laparoscopic or robotic). In both, a reinforcement mesh is used most of the time. For more information, access the patient guidance manual above.
What are the complications of hernia surgery?
Although the surgery is considered safe, complications can occur as with any other surgery.
The main complications that occur in any surgery are infection and bleeding;
There is a small risk of injury to the urinary bladder, bowel loops, blood vessels, nerves or the spermatic cord.
Postoperative difficulty in urinating is not uncommon and is transient, in some cases it is necessary to pass a relief tube.
At any time your hernia can come back. Currently, studies show a chance of approximately 4% of returning. That is: in every 100 operated on, 4 can have a hernia again. The problem is that the risks of having a hernia are far greater than the risks of treating it. Therefore, surgical indication is necessary.
What is the preoperative preparation?
Fasting for at least 12 hours before surgery is mandatory;
A bath the night before or the morning of surgery;
Do not shave or shave the area to be operated on; This procedure, when necessary, is performed in the operating room;
Some preoperative tests are needed;
If you are taking medication for chronic illnesses or anticoagulants, you must notify your doctor at least one week before surgery;
You must attend the hospital reception at least 1 before the scheduled time for surgery, bearing all the tests performed in the preoperative period.
What happens after surgery?
When you wake up from the anesthesia, you will be in an appropriate place called the Anesthetic Recovery Center where you will be monitored until released to the room.
The morning after surgery, he will be discharged.
In 24 to 48 hours, the surgical site may become a little swollen.
You should stay out of bed during the surgery, avoiding physical exertion for a period of two weeks. After this time you should gradually return to your usual activities.
If swelling persists for more than 2 days or you need to take pain medication beyond 3 days, you should notify your surgeon.
You must make an appointment to return to the office within 10 to 15 days for the stitches to be removed.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER SURGERIES
Robotic Inguinal Herniorrhaphy
Edited video of a unilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery using the Da Vinci XI robotic system platform.