Surgical & Endoscopy
CARE CONSULTING

• Laparascopic/Robotic or open groin Hernia (Inguinal, Femoral)

• Ventral (Abdominal Wall)Hernias,Epigastric,Umbilical,Incisional

• Complex abdominal wall hernia repairs after multiple previous hernia repairs

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Patient information:

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The information here is a guide only and does not replace my discussions with you on the day of consultation.

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Hernia

 

A hernia is protrusion of fat or bowel through a hole in the abdominal wall.

What are the risk factors for hernia?

 

Increase in tummy pressure will increase the likelihood of small hernia getting larger

Few risk factors:

Heavy lifting, Smoking and chronic cough, bowel problems and prostate problems, being overweight, and patients with severe liver disease are few risk factors that increase the chance of hernia formation. Not commonly tumours inside the abdomen can contribute to hernia formation.

I will discuss these risk factors on the day and will discuss how to reduce the risk of hernia coming back after surgery.

 

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What symptoms should I expect from hernia?

 

Simply you would feel a lump with discomfort. This can happen after straining or lifting. Generally you will be able to push the hernia back or they go back when lying flat.

If you suddenly feel pain and the hernia cannot be pushed back there is the chance the hernia is trapped and you need to attend the Emergency department.

What can be done about the hernia?

Generally the advice is to repair the hernia with surgery. As the times goes on, they will become larger and more uncomfortable.

The hernia support garments is only recommended for patients who are not fit to have the surgery and in special circumstances since their improper usage can make hernia worse.

 

How do I repair the hernia?

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You will be advised to fast prior to the procedure, and the updated details will be given to you from my rooms or nursing team depending on timing  of procedure.

This is done under general anaesthesia by repairing and approximating the edges of the hole and reinforcing the weakened tissues with soft nylon mesh. I use the partially dissolvable mesh to repair most hernias. This can be done by Key –hole, Open technique or with the help of Robotic platform.

 

What happens after surgery?

 

-Most patients who undergo hernia surgery will stay overnight.

-You will be given regular simple pain relief medications. Examples include Panadol and Nurofen. Sometimes you require stronger pain relief and this be prescribed in your medication chart.

-Your wound will be checked by nursing staff and will be given medications to prevent clot formation in legs together with white stockings(this will also reduce the risk of clot formation).Your heart rate, breathing rate, Blood pressure and temperature and your blood oxygen levels will be checked regularly.

-You generally can have normal diet and there are no restrictions after anaesthesia

-You may experience having trouble passing urine, and the nursing staff will need to be notified. At times if simple measures don’t help some patients require temporary urinary catheter.

-You will be given a device to help with breathing after surgery if you have underlying lung problem or if having trouble breathing well.

After discharge

 

-If you require strong pain relief this may cause constipation so you might need over the counter laxatives if simple measure don’t work.

-Try to do light activity shortly after surgery.

-The dressing that we use is waterproof and you can have shower with them and you can remove them after a week.

-The sutures that are used for skin closure are absorbed and there is no need to remove sutures.

-You should not drive for a week after the operation and avoid lifting heavy items for at least 6 weeks after surgery.A medical certificate will be provided if required.

-Most patients feel a hard ridge under the wound and this generally will disappear after few months.

-There is small risk that the wound can become red and sore and discharge fluid. If you are worried please don’t hesitate to call my rooms for earlier review.

 

What are the risks of hernia surgery?

 

There are general and specific risks to surgery:

-Heart problems, clots in legs, stroke especially if there are pre-existing serious medical conditions before surgery.

 -Gas bubble into the blood (in key hole surgery)-Wound/Mesh infection, raised, irregular scar. Few people develops these since most cuts heal well.

-Chronic pain, Injury to organs/nerves/blood vessels near the hernia.

--Re-operation if there is the hernia comes back or bleeding/Infection into the wound

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What costs to be incurred from this practice?

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There will be an out of pocket charge for your procedure from my service.This depends on the complexity of you procedure.When you present to my rooms for consultation, this is not covered by your private health funds. You will get some of the money for outpatient consultations back from Medicare.

There may be an out pocket expenses for anaesthetic services depending on your level of cover.Please contact Downs anaesthetics for further details.

You should ask them ahead of time about this cost. You will also have to pay any hospital excesses that your policy dictates. We will provide you with contact details after consultation so you could check ahead of time.