A hernia develops when some of your tissues poke through weakened muscles in your body. Hernia surgery is a procedure in which the hernia is repaired, usually by gently pushing your tissues back into place.

Here’s how to tell whether you need surgery to repair a hernia and how to request an appointment with Advanced Laparoscopic Associates if you think you need this procedure.

What Are the Types of Hernias?

Hernias can develop anywhere in your body and are generally named after the places in which they occur.

Common types of hernias include:

• Inguinal hernia. Located in the groin area, an inguinal hernia is more likely to affect men than women.
• Umbilical hernia. This type of hernia protrudes from your belly button.
• Femoral hernia. This hernia is located in the inner part of the thigh.
• Incisional hernia. This type of hernia can push through scarring from a previous abdominal surgery.
• Hiatal hernia. Located in the upper part of the stomach, a hiatal hernia usually pushes through an opening in your diaphragm.

What Are the Signs of a Hernia?

The main sign of a hernia is a visible bulge at the site where tissues are poking through the muscle.

Other signs of a hernia may include:

• Pain or discomfort at the site of the hernia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Inability to pass gas

When Do You Need Hernia Surgery?

Your doctor can usually determine whether you need surgery to repair a hernia.

You may need surgery if:

• It is causing severe pain and discomfort.
• It is causing nausea and vomiting.
• It continues to grow larger.
• You cannot push the hernia back into place.
• The skin over the hernia site is dark or discolored.
• Blood supply to the tissue is being cut off.

Types of Hernia Surgery

Surgery for inguinal hernias, hiatal hernias, and umbilical hernias can all be performed as open or laparoscopic surgery.

During open surgery, your surgeon makes one long incision near the site of the hernia and either pushes it back into place or removes it. The weakened part of the muscle through which the hernia is pushing is closed with stitches.

During laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon makes a series of tiny incisions near the hernia. Then, small instruments are inserted into these incisions—including a tiny camera called a laparoscope—to perform the surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is far less invasive than open surgery and is associated with fewer complications and a faster recovery.

Surgery Recovery Time

Recovery may last between one and several weeks, based on the type of surgery you had and the severity of the hernia. Your surgeon may suggest taking at least one month away from work and all strenuous activities. Taking it easy and getting plenty of rest will allow your body to recover more quickly.

Advanced Laparoscopic Associates offers bariatric and general surgeries. Contact us today to request an appointment if you need surgery to remove a hernia.