Hernia Surgery at Cutting Edge Surgery Toowoomba: Your Guide to Repair and Recovery
If you’ve ever felt an uncomfortable bulge in your abdomen or groin, you might be dealing with a hernia. It’s more common than you think, and luckily, hernia surgery can provide long-term relief. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about hernias, the surgical options available, and what recovery looks like.
Types of Hernias
There are various types of hernias, including:
- Inguinal Hernia: The most common type, occurring in the groin area.
- Femoral Hernia: Less common, but more likely in women, this type is located just below the groin.
- Umbilical Hernia: Often seen in infants, but can occur in adults as well.
- Hiatal Hernia: Happens when part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity.
Each type of hernia has its own symptoms, but the main sign is usually a visible or palpable lump in the area, accompanied by discomfort or pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or straining.
Why Do Hernias Happen?
Hernias can be caused by a combination of factors, including muscle weakness and strain. Anything from heavy lifting to persistent coughing can trigger one. If you’ve had previous surgery, especially around the abdomen, the area might be more prone to developing a hernia due to weakened muscles. Conditions like poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can also raise the risk.
Do You Need Surgery?
Not all hernias require immediate surgery. Some might only cause mild discomfort and can be monitored by your doctor. However, when the hernia is causing severe pain, limiting your daily activities, or poses a risk of complications like strangulation (where blood supply to the herniated tissue gets cut off), surgery becomes necessary.
Surgical Options: Laparoscopic vs Open Hernia Repair
There are two main types of hernia surgery: open hernia surgery and laparoscopic (or minimally invasive) hernia surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your type of hernia, size, and medical history.
- Open Hernia Surgery: This traditional method involves making a larger incision near the hernia to push the protruding tissue back into place. A synthetic mesh is often used to reinforce the muscle wall and prevent recurrence. It’s typically done under general anaesthesia and might involve a longer recovery time compared to the laparoscopic approach.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses smaller incisions, through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted. TEP repair is a minimally invasive surgery used to fix a hernia. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a camera to guide the repair of the hernia without entering the abdominal cavity. A mesh is placed over the weak spot to prevent the hernia from coming back. It’s often recommended for bilateral hernias or for patients who have had previous lower midline surgery, as it typically results in slightly less post-operative pain and faster recovery.
Dr Nasrin Davarpanah will provide guidance on caring for your surgical site to prevent infection and reduce scarring. If you experience any severe pain, signs of infection (like redness or oozing at the incision site), or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
What About Complications?
Hernia repair surgery is generally safe, but like all surgical procedures, it comes with potential risks. These might include:
- Infection at the incision site.
- Bleeding or blood clots.
- Nerve damage near the operation site.
- Recurrence of the hernia (though less common with the use of mesh).
- Anaesthesia-related complications.
Why Cutting Edge Surgery Toowoomba?
At Cutting Edge Surgery, we take a personalised approach to every hernia case. With our internationally trained surgeons and over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen it all – from straightforward cases to the more complex, recurrent hernias. Whether you need open or laparoscopic hernia repair, we’ll ensure you’re in expert hands from consultation to recovery.
We believe in getting you back to your everyday life as quickly as possible, with the least amount of discomfort. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth experience with a focus on your health and well-being.
FAQs About Hernia Surgery
- How long does hernia surgery take? Most procedures take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and the type of surgery.
- Will I have a big scar? With laparoscopic surgery, scars are minimal and usually fade over time. Open surgery may leave a slightly larger scar, but it’s typically small and placed in an inconspicuous area.
- When can I return to work? For most patients, light activities can be resumed within a week. Strenuous jobs or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks.
Final Thoughts
Hernia surgery is a highly effective way to repair the muscle wall and prevent future complications. With modern techniques like laparoscopic surgery, recovery is faster than ever before, allowing you to return to your normal activities with minimal downtime.