Risks Of A Hernia Surgery

Hernia is a lump that is caused due to the slipping of a part of the intestine into the abdominal wall due to the weakening of the abdominal muscles. It can occur in individuals of all age groups and even in children. Certain hernia cases results in a bulge near the pubic bone due to protrusion whereas in some others, a part of the stomach pushes the diaphragm’s hiatus.

 

Hernia can be treated by medications or by surgery. Surgery is recommended only if the patient experiences pain or discomfort. In addition, hernia surgery entails certain risks that one needs to be aware of. It is very important to consult an experienced surgeon to confirm whether you really need to undergo the surgery.

Hernia surgery can be done through laparoscopic method or herniorrhaphy (open surgery for hernia). While laparoscopic surgery involves making multiple small incisions on the abdomen wall, open surgery requires the surgeon to open the abdominal wall to cure the problem. The approach for the surgery would be decided by the doctor based on the condition of the patient.

The complications that can arise after the surgery are as follows:

• Bruising and swelling are the two most common complications that can arise during the surgery. The suffering is much more for people who undergo severe hernia operations. The pain comes down after the wound heals.
• Depending on the severity of the operation, the patient experiences pain and discomfort which diminish a few days after the surgery when the patient recovers.
• Internal infection may occur due to adverse reaction of drugs, anesthesia and also infection arising due to incisions.
• Though rare, there are chances of blood clots, internal bleeding as well as hematomas.
• Seroma, also known as edema or fluid retention, can occur. But this is just a temporary swelling and disappears after a few days.
• Internal injury can occur due to ‘human error’. This is the main reason why hernia operation should be done only by an experienced surgeon.
• Other risks include bloating due to gas accumulation, inability or difficulty to pass urine (temporary condition), and difficulty in swallowing due to pain.
• Breathing difficulty can result in straining of lungs.
• In certain cases, people may lack mobility for some time.

 

The chances of recurrence of hernia are rare but this is also a risk factor that cannot be overlooked. Diabetics and heart patients are much more susceptible to these risks compared to normal people.