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Recurrent Hernia Prevention And Treatment

A hernia recurrence, known as a recurrent hernia, is when the hernia reappears post-surgery. Identifiable as a painful bulge near the original hernia site, multiple factors contribute to its cause, such as wound infection, early post-surgery activity, and chronic cough. The repair is more complex and prone to further recurrence. If you notice any incisional hernia recurrence symptoms, consult with Pristyn Care's experienced general surgeons immediately. Book your appointment with our skilled surgeons for comprehensive consultation and advanced treatment options.

A hernia recurrence, known as a recurrent hernia, is when the hernia reappears ... Read More

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What is Recurrent Hernia?

Recurrent Hernia is a medical condition where a hernia re-emerges after the initial hernia repair surgery. It is recognised by an occasional painful bulge at or near the original site, making it a case of recurrent inguinal hernia if it appears in the groin area. Managing a recurrent hernia is typically more complicated than the initial one due to a higher risk of complications and further recurrence.

In India, recurrent hernias have become a significant health concern owing to varied lifestyle factors and surgical practices. With frequent instances of multiple recurrent hernias, the challenge escalates as each recurrence generally gets more complex than the previous one. The healthcare landscape needs to focus on advanced surgical techniques like laparoscopic or open repair with component separation to properly restore the abdominal wall.

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What Causes Recurrent Hernia?

The causes of recurrent hernia are multifactorial and often relate to the circumstances of the initial surgery and the patient’s health condition post-surgery:

  • Wound infection: Infections from the initial surgery can weaken the repair and lead to recurrence.
  • Early activity: Being active too soon after surgery can disrupt the healing process and result in re-herniation.
  • Chronic steroid use: Long-term use of steroids can affect tissue healing and increase the likelihood of recurrence.
  • Chronic cough or strain: Conditions that put consistent strain on the abdominal wall can lead to a hernia recurrence.
  • Smoking: Smoking hampers appropriate tissue healing and recovery post-surgery, leading to recurrence.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put undue stress on the abdomen, contributing to recurrent hernias.
  • Initial surgery complications: Inadequate repair during initial surgery or improper healing can result in recurrence.
  • Surgeon’s experience: Lower surgical experience or use of improper surgical techniques can lead to complications and increase the chances of hernia recurrence.

Types of Recurrent Hernia

Let’s break down the types of recurrent hernia:

  • Recurrent inguinal hernia: Inguinal hernias are the most common type and occur in the groin area. When these reoccur, it’s known as a recurrent inguinal hernia. You might notice a bulge that reappears in the groin area, causing discomfort or pain.
  • Incisional hernia recurrence: This happens when an incision from a past abdominal surgery doesn’t heal properly, allowing internal organs or tissues to push through the weakened wall. When this repeatedly happens, it’s called a recurrent incisional hernia.
  • Multiple recurrent hernias: These multiple recurrent hernias refer to the recurrence of more than one type of hernia. It is not uncommon for individuals who have had one hernia to develop another, especially if they have contributing risk factors such as smoking, obesity or chronic cough.

Symptoms of Recurrent Hernia

There are certain signs one should watch out for:

  • One of the most common incisional hernia recurrence symptoms is a bulge at or near the site of the original hernia repair. This can sometimes be painful.
  • If the intestines protrude into the hernia, severe complications can occur which include infection, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Another one of the incisional hernia recurrence symptoms is loss of blood supply to the intestines. This happens when the intestine gets trapped within the hernial sac and may lead to a strangulated hernia, which is a medical emergency.

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Diagnosis and Evaluation of Recurrent Hernia

To diagnose a recurrent hernia, your doctor will first schedule an appointment for a physical examination and discuss your symptoms with you. They are likely to ask about any previous surgeries and the history of your health to rule out any potential risk factors.

Next, your doctor might recommend imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, or an ultrasound. These tests help them understand the extent of the hernia and its exact location. It also assists in planning the best course of treatment to repair the recurrent hernia.

Your doctor may also perform a herniography, a specialised X-ray procedure used to visualise hernias that are not apparent during a physical examination. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing recurrent inguinal hernias.

How Can Recurrent Hernia Be Treated?

The treatment for recurrent hernia typically involves surgical intervention. Surgery becomes necessary when the recurrent hernia enlarges, becomes painful, or poses risk of complications such as obstruction or strangulation of the herniated tissue.

Laparoscopic repair is often a preferred choice as it can maintain the integrity of abdominal muscles. This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions, a camera, and miniature surgical tools while aiming for a faster recovery with fewer complications.

In more complex cases of recurrent hernia like multiple recurrent hernias or recurrent incisional hernia, open repair surgery might be essential. This provides the surgeon with direct access to restore the abdominal wall properly. Post-surgery, patients may return to normal activities within 1-3 weeks, depending on their overall health and the complexity of the procedure.

In summary, recurrent hernias present a complex complication that could occur after an initial hernia repair surgery. They warrant specialized surgical treatments to address their complex nature while evaluating any underlying risk factors. Regular check-ups and living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent recurrent hernias and maintain overall well-being.

When is a Recurrent Hernia Considered Serious?

Recurrent hernia, which includes conditions such as recurrent inguinal hernia and multiple recurrent hernias, can become a serious health concern under a few key situations:

  • Intestinal complications: If the hernia advances, allowing the intestines to protrude into the hernia, it could lead to severe complications such as infection, constipation, nausea/vomiting and loss of blood supply to the intestines. These complications can potentially become life-threatening if they aren’t addressed in time.
  • Increased risk with each recurrence: Studies show that each time a hernia is repaired and then recurs, the likelihood of another recurrence after another surgery increases dramatically. This makes it crucial to get the hernia fixed correctly at the first instance.
  • More difficult surgical repair: Recurrent hernias are typically more complex to repair than the initial hernia. The presence of scar tissue and previous mesh placements from prior surgeries complicate the repair process.

Preventing a Recurrent Hernia

While you can’t completely prevent recurrent hernias, certain lifestyle modifications can lower the risk. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can put extra pressure on your abdominal wall, making a recurrent hernia more likely.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking can lead to coughing, which causes strain on your abdominal wall and could result in a hernia recurrence.
  • Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions: These typically include guidelines on activity level, diet, and wound care.

For people who have had multiple recurrent hernias, booking an appointment with an experienced hernia specialist is crucial.

Myths & Facts About Recurrent Hernias

Let’s dispel some common misconceptions about recurrent hernias:

Myth: Poor surgeons are the only ones who deal with recurrent hernias.

Fact: Even highly experienced surgeons can face instances of recurrent hernias.

Myth: Recurrent hernias are not serious as they can just be repaired again.

Fact: Recurrent hernias are more challenging to repair and each subsequent repair carries a higher risk of further recurrence.

Myth: Recurrent hernias only happen soon after the initial surgery.

Fact: Recurrent hernias can appear weeks, months, or even years after the initial repair.

Myth: Mesh placement is the best option to prevent recurrent hernias.

Fact: While mesh reduces recurrence rates, it’s not a guarantee. Patient selection, proper surgical techniques, and mesh fixation are also critical factors.

When to Consult a Doctor for Recurrent Hernia?

If you notice a bulge or feel pain at or near the site of the original hernia repair, it might be a case of recurrent inguinal hernia. It is crucial to consult a doctor if your incisional hernia recurrence symptoms persist or get worse over time. You should ideally consult an experienced hernia specialist who will assess whether or not you require surgery.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Recurrent Hernia

Here are some key questions you might want to ask your doctor:

  1. What are the common signs of a recurrent hernia?
  2. Are there specific activities I should avoid to prevent recurrence?
  3. What are the risks associated with recurrent hernia surgery?
  4. What is the process of recurrent inguinal hernia repair?
  5. Can a recurrent hernia lead to more serious health issues?
  6. How can I manage the pain caused by a recurrent hernia?
  7. What can I do to help speed up recovery post-surgery?
  8. Are there any alternatives to surgery for treating recurrent hernias?

FAQ

What is a recurrent hernia?

A recurrent hernia is a condition that arises when a hernia reappears after its initial repair. This can occur in any type of hernia but is more common in inguinal hernias, hence referred to as recurrent inguinal hernia. The recurrence can be due to several factors, such as improper procedure during the first surgery, strain on the repaired area, or complications from underlying health conditions.

How common is a recurrent inguinal hernia?

In India, the recurrence rate of inguinal hernias after surgical repair is approximately 5-10%. This means out of every 20 people who undergo surgery for an inguinal hernia, 1 or 2 might experience recurrence. If you have a recurrent inguinal hernia, it is crucial to consult your doctor for an appropriate treatment strategy.

What are some common symptoms of incisional hernia recurrence?

The incisional hernia recurrence symptoms are similar to those of an initial hernia. The most common symptom includes a bulge or swelling at the site of the previous surgery. This bulge may disappear when you lie down and become prominent when you cough, strain or stand up. Other symptoms may include pain or discomfort at the site, especially when lifting heavy objects, bending over or straining.

 How soon can a recurrent inguinal hernia occur after the initial surgery?

A recurrent inguinal hernia may appear at any time after the initial operation. It could be weeks, months or even years later. Some patients may experience recurrence quickly due to strains put on the body shortly after surgery while others may not experience a recurrence for many years if at all.

 Are multiple recurrent hernias common?

Though multiple recurrent hernias are not common, they do occur in some cases. They typically arise due to factors like surgical technique used in the first repair, patient’s overall health conditions, age and if there was an infection after the first surgery.

Is it normal to have pain after repair of recurrent inguinal hernia ?

Some degree of pain or discomfort after recurrent inguinal hernia repair is normal and can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor. If pain is severe or persists beyond a few weeks, it could be a sign of complications and should be reported to your doctor immediately.