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Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue wall. It commonly appears as a visible bulge, especially when standing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects. Hernias do not heal on their own and can become life-threatening if strangulated (blood supply cut off), making surgery the only permanent solution.

Common Types of Hernia

  • Inguinal Hernia (most common, 70–75% of cases): Occurs in the groin area; far more common in men.
  • Umbilical Hernia: Around the belly button; frequent in newborns, obese individuals, and women after multiple pregnancies.
  • Incisional Hernia: Develops at the site of a previous surgical scar.
  • Hiatal Hernia: Stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm; causes acid reflux (GERD).
  • Femoral Hernia: Rare but serious; more common in women, appears just below the groin.
Warning Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
  • Visible or palpable lump in groin/abdomen
  • Pain or discomfort while lifting, coughing, or straining
  • Feeling of heaviness or dragging sensation
  • Sudden severe pain, vomiting, redness around bulge → Emergency (strangulation risk)
How the Surgery is Performed (General Steps)
  • Preparation: Fasting, antibiotics if needed, imaging (ultrasound/CT) to confirm.
  • Anesthesia: Local (open), general (laparoscopic/robotic).
  • Key Steps (varies by type):
    • Hernia sac identified and reduced (pushed back).
    • Weak area strengthened with mesh (fixed with sutures/tacks/glue).
    • For hiatal hernias: Often laparoscopic/robotic Nissen fundoplication—stomach fundus wrapped 360° around lower esophagus + diaphragm repair.
  • Duration: 30-90 minutes (open/lap) to 2+ hours (robotic/complex).
  • Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (most inguinal/open) to 1-2 nights (hiatal/complex).