Hernia Surgery in Birmingham

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a hole or defect in the abdominal wall muscle and fascia that allows structures such as fat or intestines to push through to the area just under the skin. The most common locations are the belly button and the groin but these can happen essentially anywhere in the abdominal wall.  Most commonly a hernia just contains fatty tissue pushing through the hernia defect but sometimes the small or large intestines can herniate.  If bowel gets stuck in a hernia, emergency abdominal hernia surgery may be necessary.  Some patients refer to hernia surgery as "removing the hernia".  This isn't quite correct since the abdominal hernia surgery isn't usually removing anything - it is closing a defect or hole in the abdominal wall.

How can I tell if I have a hernia?

The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge.  Most of the time the bulge can be pushed back in the abdomen and will pop back out on it's own or with coughing or straining.  However some hernias are incarcerated and can not be pushed back in (also called reducing the hernia).  For bigger patients, a hernia may not be detectable by physical exam and imaging such as a CT scan may be needed to find the hernia.  Most hernias cause pain but some do not.

Is surgery the only option?

While "watchful waiting" is sometimes an option for very small, asymptomatic hernias, surgery is the only way to permanently fix the anatomical defect.

Does Dr. Harris treat all types of hernias?

Yes. Dr. Harris treats inguinal (groin), femoral, umbilical (belly button), and incisional hernias, as well as more complex ventral hernias. Some very rare flank and lumbar hernias are better addressed at academic institutions.

How does abdominal hernia repair surgery work?

Hernias can be repaired by an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach.  Mesh is used for most hernia repairs because the risk of a hernia coming back is much lower when mesh is used.  The amount of post operative pain is often much lower when mesh is used as well - especially with inguinal hernias.  Primarily due to the  many commercials put out by lawyers, some patients are very concerned to have a hernia mesh used.  These lawsuits involve mesh that was recalled years ago and the mesh that hernia Dr. Harris uses has been studied extensively and found to be safe - he would not hesitate to have it used on himself or a family member if needed. Call our office to learn more about hernia mesh surgery.

How long is a hernia repair surgery recovery?

This is very dependent on the size and type of hernia as well as the patient's pain tolerance.  Some patients go back to work in just a few days and others need a week or two off depending on the type of work they do.  Heavy lifting should generally be avoided for a minimum of two weeks.

Is hernia repair surgery considered major surgery?

Most of the time it is not major surgery and patients go home the same day. However, there are exceptions such emergency
hernia repairs where the intestines are strangulated and resection of the affected bowel may be required. Also, some hernias become so large that the muscle and fascia are difficult to pull back together and more extensive surgery may be necessary to complete the repair.

Can a hernia come back?

Yes but this is very rare for hernia Doctor Harris' patients.  Using mesh will reduce your risk of hernia recurrence.  For patients who are overweight or gain substantial weight after surgery, the risk of hernia recurrence is higher.

Can I walk after hernia repair surgery?

Yes and walking is encouraged.  If you had a groin hernia repaired, you may have some soreness with moving your leg during recovery but it should not keep you from walking.