A hernia is a condition in which an organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue. Hernias can occur in any part of the body, but are most common in the groin or abdomen.
Symptoms of a hernia include pain, swelling, difficulty moving or lifting the affected area and even possible bowel blockage and bowel death. In some cases, hernias can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding strenuous activity and wearing special support gaments.
However, most patients with significant symptoms will require hernias repairs which involves surgery to repair the weakened muscle or tissue. Recovery from surgery typically takes several weeks, during which time patients will need to limit their activity to prevent the hernia from recurring.
How Are Hernias Repaired And What Is The Surgery Like?
A hernia is repaired with a surgery called a herniorrhaphy. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.
The surgeon will make an incision in your groin area or abdomen and push the protruding tissue back into your belly. The surgeon will then place stitches and or surgical mesh to hold the tissues in place.
The incision will be closed with stitches that will dissolve under the skin. The surgery usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Recovery from the surgery takes about 4 weeks. You may experience pain and swelling in your groin area for the first few days after surgery.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks after surgery to allow your tissues time to heal properly.
Hernia surgery is a relatively simple procedure with a low risk of complications. Most people experience excellent results And are able To return To their normal activities within 4 weeks.
What Are The Risks and How Can They Be Minimized?
Hernia repairs are relatively common surgeries, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks involved.
The most common complication from hernia surgery is infection, which can typically be treated with antibiotics. More serious complications, such as damage to the surrounding nerves or blood vessels, are rare but can occur.
One way to minimize the risks associated with hernia surgery is to choose an experienced and reputable surgeon. Be sure to ask about the surgeon’s experience performing this type of surgery, as well as their success rate.
Additionally, it’s important to follow all of the pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon to help reduce the risk of complications.
What Are The Costs Of Hernia Repairs?
The cost of hernia surgery will depend on a number of factors, including the type of hernia, the experience of the surgeon, where the surgery is performed (ambulatory surgery center versus hospital) and your insurance plan. In general, hernia surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000.
Hernia surgery is often covered by insurance, but it’s important to check with your insurer to see what your policy covers. If you don’t have insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost of hernia surgery, there are a number of options available to help you pay for the procedure.
Many hospitals and surgery centers offer payment plans, and there are a number of financial assistance programs available to help patients with the cost of medical care. Talk to your doctor or the surgical practise administrator/manager to learn more about these options.
If you’re looking for a qualified and experienced general surgeon in the Gwinnett area that has extensive hernia surgery experience, look no further than Gwinnett Surgical Specialists, LLC. Their board-certified surgeons are dedicated to providing their patients with the highest quality of care possible.
Whether you need surgery for a hernia, gallbladder problem, or other general surgery needs, they’re ready to help. Their state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center is equipped with the latest technology and equipment, and their surgeons are constantly keeping up with the latest advances in surgical techniques. To know more, visit their website now!