Abdominal Hernia Treatment | Symptoms, Causes, Recovery

How to prepare for abdominal hernia repair surgery?

Some common tips mentioned below to help you get prepared for your abdominal hernia repair surgery:

• Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to be completely aware of the procedure, risks and complications associated with it, what to expect, recovery tips etc. 
• Arrange someone to be you during hospitalization. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before the surgery to avoid complications that may interrupt the healing process. 
• Drink plenty of water or fluids to keep digestion healthy and avoid straining during bowel movements. 
• Do mild exercises regularly before the surgery and maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after the surgery. 
• Stop taking any herbal medicines as they may act as blood thinning agents and lead to excessive bleeding during the surgery. 
• Avoid strenuous activities that may strain your hernia i.e. climbing, jogging etc. 

By following the above-mentioned preparation tips, you can ensure a healthy and successful recovery.

How to recover after abdominal hernia repair surgery?

Recovery may take around 4-5 weeks after the surgery to recover completely. Some common suggestions to help you recover after the abdominal hernia repair surgery are mentioned below:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
• Take your prescribed medicines on time. 
• Keep your wounds clean and dry. 
• Maintain a healthy diet. 
• Drink plenty of fluids and water. 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. 
• Change your bandages and dressings regularly. 
• Avoid junk foods or processed foods. 
• Avoid strenuous exercises. 
• Don’t start or halt any medicines without consulting yoru doctor. 

What are the risks and complications associated with laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery?

• Laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery can involve significant pain after the procedure.
• After the surgery, there is a risk of infection after surgery, which can be a complication if not treated properly.
• Bleeding during or after the surgery is a potential risk.
• There is a risk of damage to internal organs during laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery.
• The surgery can involve damage to surrounding tissue, such as nerves and blood vessels.
• Adhesions can develop after laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery, which can cause further pain and discomfort.
• Complications from anesthesia can occur during laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery.
• The hernia can recur after the laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery.

What are the advantages of laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery?

Open and laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery offers several advantages to patients. Some major advantages of laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair surgery are:

• One of the main advantages is that laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is minimally invasive, meaning that it requires only a few small incisions rather than a large one. 
• The smaller incisions also mean less post-operative pain, as well as a shorter recovery time. 
• Laparoscopic hernia repair also offers a more accurate diagnosis and repair, as the surgeon can view the hernia area in greater detail. 
• Additionally, laparoscopic hernia repair can often be done on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients may be able to go home the same day of the surgery. 
• Open hernia repair surgery also offers some advantages over laparoscopic surgery, such as a lower risk of recurrence due to the larger incision. 
• As the incision is larger, however, there is more post-operative pain and a longer recovery period. 
• Open hernia repair surgery can also be more costly than laparoscopic surgery. 
• Ultimately, the type of hernia repair surgery that is best for an individual patient will depend on their specific hernia and any other medical conditions they may have.

What Are The Prevention Tips For Abdominal Hernia?

Abdominal hernias are common yet potentially serious conditions. It is important to understand how to prevent them and the steps you can take to reduce the risks of developing a hernia.

The following tips can help reduce the risk of developing an abdominal hernia:

• Exercise regularly: Exercise can help strengthen the abdominal wall muscles, which can help reduce the chances of developing a hernia.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra stress on the abdominal wall, which can lead to a hernia.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects: Lifting heavy objects can put a strain on the abdominal wall muscles and increase the risk of a hernia.
• Avoid constipation: Drink plenty of water or fluids to avoid constipation because straining when having a bowel movement can put pressure on the abdominal wall muscles and increase the risk of a hernia.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can reduce the elasticity of the abdominal wall muscles and increase the risk of a hernia.
• Wear a hernia belt: A hernia belt is a special belt that can help support the abdominal wall and help prevent a hernia.
• Seek medical attention promptly: If you experience any symptoms of a hernia, such as a bulge or pain in the abdominal area, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Following these prevention tips can help reduce the risk of developing an abdominal hernia. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hernia and to seek medical attention promptly if any occur.

What Happens if Abdominal Hernia Left Untreated?

If an abdominal hernia is left untreated, the consequences can be severe. Following are the health issues that can cause intense discomfort and can even be life-threatening complications.

• Severe abdominal pain: Pain is a common symptom of an untreated hernia and can range from mild to severe. It can occur as a result of the intestine pushing against the weakened abdominal wall, which can cause a sharp, stabbing pain. Additionally, the hernia can also cause a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the abdomen.
• Incarceration of hernia: If a hernia becomes blocked, the intestine can become stuck in the abdominal wall, causing a blockage in the intestine. This can cause intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. If left untreated, the intestine can become trapped in the hernia, which is known as incarceration. This can lead to serious complications, such as tissue death, infection, and gangrene.
• Strangulation of hernia: In the worst-case scenario, the hernia can become strangulated. This means that the hernia has become stuck, and the blood supply to the intestine is cut off. If this happens, it is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. This can lead to tissue death, infection, and even death.

Therefore, it is essential that if an abdominal hernia is suspected, the individual should seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to avoid any of these serious complications. With the right treatment, the hernia can be repaired before any of these complications occur.