Hernia repair

Alternative names:

herniorrhaphy

Definition:

Surgical repair of an abnormal bulging of internal organs through a weakness in the muscular wall (hernia).

Description:

A hernia can develop in the abdominal wall around a previous incision (incisional hernia), in the groin (inguinal hernia or femoral hernia), in the middle of the abdomen (epigastric), or in the muscle (diaphragm) between the abdomen and chest, around the esophagus (hiatal hernia). Hernias in children are rarely caused by an injury or tearing of tissue and are usually the result of incomplete closure in the groin (inguinal hernia) or around the umbilicus(umbilical hernia).

Inguinal hernia is a common condition in males (2%) in which the intestine passes into the scrotum (indirect) or into groin (direct).
Tissue (such as intestine) can become trapped (incarcerated) in the hernia. If the blood flow is restricted (strangulated hernia) or the intestine is blocked (obstructed), emergency surgery is necessary.

While the patient is sleepy (sedated) and pain-free (local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made over the hernia. The bulging tissue or organ is replaced inside the muscle wall, the muscle tissue is repaired, and the skin is closed.

Indications:

Hernia repair may be recommended for:

• large bulges through a small hole (increased risk of incarceration and strangulation)
• painful hernia