Reason: An abdominal hernia occurs when the stomach muscles are weakened and organs start to bulge through the abdominal wall. Abdominal hernias can occur at the site of a previous surgical incision (incisional hernia), behind the bellybutton (umbilical hernia), in the groin area (inguinal hernia), or the upper portion of the stomach (hiatal hernia).
Hernias will not heal on their own, and they can only be repaired through surgery. Hernia repair surgery can remove any visible bulge and eliminate the pain caused by your hernia. It can also prevent any serious side effects, such as organ strangulation, which causes blood flow to be cut off from the organ that is trapped within the muscle wall.
Preparation: The day before your surgery, you will be asked not to eat after midnight.
Procedure: Just prior to your surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Your specific surgery depends on the type of hernia that you have.
An inguinal hernia is an open procedure. Dr. Harrison will make an incision in your groin area and return the bulging organ – most typically the bowel – to its correct location. He will then cover the area with surgical mesh to ensure the bowel remains in place. Finally, he will attach a small pump filled with pain medication attached to the site of the repaired hernia. Over the course of two days, the pump will continually administer pain medication directly to the site of your operation. After the medicine is gone, you can safely remove the pump on your own.
An umbilical hernia is performed using the laparoscopic method. Through four or five tiny incisions in your abdomen, Dr. Harrison will repair your hernia by returning the affected organ into its correct location. He will cover the organ with surgical mesh to hold it in place and he will use a surgical adhesive called Dermabond® to close the incisions.
Post Procedure: You will typically stay overnight after surgery, and you can go home the next day.
Follow-Up: Dr. Harrison will want to see you at his office in 1-2 weeks to check on your condition and ensure that you are doing well.