INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
GENERAL INFORMATION
An inguinal hernia is a bulging out of the tissues
in the groin area. Some hernias allow structures to
pass down into the scrotum. The bulge consists of
intestine and/or fatty tissue which has slipped into
the hernia sack. A hernia may be reducible,
irreducible, obstructed or strangulated.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Usually there is a bulge with or without vague
aching in the area. Most of the time the bulge can
be pushed back or reduces itself when you lie down.
When the hernia is complicated the bulge can be very
tender.
TREATMENT
The best treatment for a hernia is to repair it by
operation. There are different techniques by which a
hernia can be repaired. Your doctor will discuss
with you the technique he uses. The purpose of an
operation is to reduce the hernial contents, to
remove the hernial sac and in some manner to
strengthen the weakened muscles and tissues.
PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION
- Make sure your doctor knows what medicines you
take, especially medicines which may affect blood
clotting
- Your doctor may decide to investigate or treat
associated problems which may affect the success of
the operation. This refers mostly to smoking,
coughing, difficulty with passing urine and
difficulty with passing stools.
- Do not eat or drink anything for six hours before
the operation. After admission to hospital you may
be required to shower, bath and be shaved. You may
be given a sedative before the operation.
OPERATION
The operation may be done under local or general
anaesthetic.
Your doctor will discuss this with you. The
operation usually takes approximately one hour.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
After the operation you will be observed in a
recovery area. You will be monitored. You will then
return to the ward. You will be given medicines to
control pain. Your doctor will discuss with you
whether you may be discharged the same day or
whether you will be required to stay in hospital
overnight. Arrangements will be made for removal of
your stitches and for follow up visits to your
doctor.
HOME CARE
Your doctor will discuss with you what you may do
after the operation. Strenuous activity should be
limited for a few weeks. You may eat as you wish but
try and keep to normal bowel habits. Your doctor
will discuss when you may return to work.
COMPLICATIONS
1. Complications are not common after an INGUINAL
HERNIA REPAIR, but you must be aware of the
following possible complications.
2. A bleed or haematoma at the site of an INGUINAL
HERNIA REPAIR does sometimes occur. Depending on the
extent of this bleed, this does sometimes need a
repeat operation to evacuate the haematoma.
3. The wound of an INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR does
occasionally become infected. How that is managed
will depend on your doctor. It may necessitate
dressings or other active management.
4. Occasionally the nerves supplying the skin around
the wound and in the region of the upper thigh and
the scrotum are injured. This may lead to temporary
or permanent numbness in the area.
5. Injuries to the testes or structures to and from
the testes are possible, but very rare. When this
occurs, the testis may swell and later shrink.
6. Systemic complications like deep venous
thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are rare, but
possible after any operation or anaesthetic.
7. The incidence of recurrence of a hernia after a
repair varies between 1% and 10%.
pil-hernia.doc/ver2/14 January 2002 |
|
