Iowa Specialty Hospital

General Surgery: Hernias & Hernia Repair

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A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. For example, the intestines may break through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Hernias are most common in the abdomen.

abdomen pain illustrationHernias can occur in many places, including the abdomen, groin, diaphragm, and at the site of a previous operation.  However, they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin regions.  The most common types of hernia are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach). In an inguinal hernia, sometimes the intestine or the bladder protrude through the abdominal wall or into the inguinal canal in the groin.

Hernia repair refers to a surgical operation for the correction of a hernia. Patients who have laparoscopic hernia repair surgery are usually able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about one to two weeks, and patients can likely return to light activity after that two week period. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until after four weeks of recovery.  However each case is different and the surgeon will advise each patient when to return to their normal activities based on job duties, activity lifestyle, and healing level.

For inguinal and umbilical (belly button) hernia surgery, your operation may take between 25 minutes to one hour. For incisional and hiatal hernia repairs, depending on the size of the hernia and the extent of inta-abdominal scar tissue, surgery may take between one to two hours.

For your health and safety, hernias should not be taken lightly, and an appointment should be made promptly to visit with a general surgeon about your options. To schedule an appointment call 844-474-4321.

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