The long term effects of hernia surgery depend on the type of procedure used. Generally, most hernia repair surgeries result in good long term outcomes, although there may be risks and complications associated with any kind of surgery.
Most hernia surgeries are done using either laparoscopic or open procedures, both of which involve making a small incision in the skin and using small surgical tools and stitches to repair the weakened abdominal wall.
Complications may include pain, infection, hernia recurrence, and blood clots. Pain associated with the surgery should resolve in time, with no long term effects.
If a surgical mesh is used during the hernia repair, the most common long term effect is recurrence of the hernia due to mesh migration or shrinking. Another reported long term effect may be irritation of the skin, tissue, or organs if the mesh becomes embedded.
There may also be a small risk of permanent nerve damage, which is typically minimal and rare. Additionally, some patients also report experiencing a decrease in sensation, tingling, or numbness in the area of the incision.
However, these long term effects are considered to be uncommon in most cases, depending on how a patient’s body processes the mesh and stitches used in the procedure.
In general, hernia surgery has a high success rate and most patients have positive outcomes and no long term effects. It is important to follow the surgeon’s guidelines with regard to activity and follow-up visits to help ensure a successful recovery and minimal long term effects.
Do you fully recover from hernia surgery?
Yes, most hernia surgeries are relatively simple and the recovery timeframe is usually very short. Depending on the type of hernia you have, the procedure can usually be done on an outpatient basis. Generally, the recovery process is complete within 6 weeks.
During your recovery, you will need to rest, take medications and make lifestyle changes to ensure you make a full recovery. Incision sites should be kept dry and clean, and a sterile bandage should be worn over the site.
Additionally, you may find it helpful to wear a waist-support garment or belt for added pressure and support to the incision site. You should also refrain from doing any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the first few weeks following the surgery.
As long as you follow the recovery guidelines provided to you by your doctor, you should make a full recovery from hernia surgery. You should also talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Is hernia surgery a permanent fix?
Hernia surgery, or herniorrhaphy, can be a successful permanent fix for hernias, depending on the individual case. Surgery is typically recommended when a hernia is causing significant pain and when non-surgical treatments, such as bracing, have been unsuccessful.
It is important to note that there is no guarantee that hernia surgery will provide a permanent solution for everyone. In some cases, hernias may recur following hernia surgery, though the American College of Surgeons notes that this can often be resolved with another operation.
In order to determine if hernia surgery is the best option, a comprehensive consultation with a physician is necessary. This consultation should include an examination of the hernia, a review of the individual’s medical history, and the consideration of any possible risk factors that may be present.
The physician should also discuss the patient’s preferences and expectations regarding the results of the surgery. After surgery, hernia repair can involve wearing a supportive device such as a truss or ex parte brace to help maintain the proper positioning of the affected area while it heals.
Once the hernia repair has been completed, there are several steps that an individual can take to help ensure that their surgical fix will remain permanent. These include abstaining from heavy lifting or strenuous activity for at least several weeks after the operation, wearing a medical compression garment to provide supportive pressure to the affected area, and avoiding straining during defecation.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables to help reduce the chance of hernia recurrence.
Can you live a normal life after hernia surgery?
Yes, it is typically possible to live a normal life after hernia surgery. The amount of time needed to return to a normal routine depends on the type of procedure performed. In general, most people can expect to return to their regular daily activities within one to two weeks of hernia surgery, although it may take longer to heal completely.
In general, patients can expect to experience some pain and tenderness in the area around the repaired hernia for up to a few weeks after surgery. To maximize comfort during the recovery period, it is important to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including taking medications as prescribed and participating in any prescribed physical therapy.
It is also important to take it easy and allow time to rest and heal. This means avoiding any strenuous activities and heavy lifting to allow the hernia repair to fully heal over time. Additionally, it is helpful to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, as well as maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of another hernia.
With proper management and care, it is typically possible to return to a normal life after hernia surgery.
Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair?
The answer to whether or not your stomach will shrink after hernia repair depends on the type of hernia you have and the procedure that was used to repair it. In some cases, hernias are repaired via surgery, which may involve stitching the area around the hernia or surgery to place a mesh to strengthen the affected area and help keep the hernia contained.
In this case, your stomach will not shrink, however, the hernia itself should not reoccur.
Hernias can also be repaired using a non-surgical approach, such as the use of a truss or belt to apply compression to the area, or the use of a suction device and application of pressure to encourage the hernia back into place.
In this case, your stomach will not shrink. However, the hernia may return if the belt or device is not used consistently or if it is removed prematurely.
It is important to speak with your doctor about the best approach for your hernia repair. Generally, the goals of hernia repair are to relieve pain, prevent the hernia from becoming bigger, restore normal body function, and ultimately, prevent the recurrence of the hernia.
How long does hernia mesh last?
Hernia mesh is an artificial medical device that is used to provide support to weakened or damaged tissue. The mesh can last for many years, but it depends on the type and quality of the mesh that is used.
Generally, hernia mesh made from polypropylene will last longer, up to 10 years or more, while mesh made from other materials may last only a few years. Additionally, the length of time the hernia mesh lasts can depend on age, lifestyle, nutrition, fitness level, and other physical and medical factors.
If the hernia mesh is damaged due to trauma or stress, it could need to be replaced sooner than expected. As a result, patients who have had hernia mesh inserted should continue to have regular checkups with their doctor to ensure the hernia repair remains in place and that the hernia mesh is not damaged.
Is it normal to have pain 6 months after hernia surgery?
It is not necessarily unusual to experience some pain 6 months after hernia surgery. Recovery times vary depending on an individual’s health, the severity of the hernia, and the type of hernia surgery they underwent.
Some people may feel minor discomfort or lingering pain in the area of their hernia repair, or they may experience pain in their abdominal or groin area that may be caused by wound healing or scar tissue formation.
In some cases, pain 6 months after hernia surgery may be a sign of a hernia recurrence or a complication from the hernia surgery. As such, it is important for anyone who is still experiencing pain 6 months after hernia surgery to talk to their doctor about their symptoms and to get an examination to help determine the possible cause of the pain.
Can hernia surgery cause problems years later?
Yes, hernia surgery can cause problems years later. Complications from hernia surgery may occur even many years after the procedure. Common late-term problems related to hernia surgery include chronic pain, recurrent hernias, adhesions, nerve damage, infection and scar tissue.
Patients who experience pain or any other unusual symptoms long after hernia surgery should always seek unsolicited medical attention to rule out any post-surgical adverse events that may be causing complications.
It is possible that follow-up care or surgical revision may be necessary to properly treat the condition.
What kind of problems can you have after hernia surgery?
After hernia surgery, there is a risk of developing either wound or organ-related complications that could affect your recovery and general health. The most common complications are infection of the wound, recurrent hernia, and blockage of the intestines.
Infection of the wound is the most common complication and can be caused by bacteria entering the wound as well as irritation and inflammation of the wound. Infection can lead to swelling and pain, as well as redness and fever.
If the infection becomes more severe, it can also cause scarring and a delay in the healing process.
Recurrent hernia is a complication where a hernia returns after surgery or appears in a different area. This occurs when the hernia has not been adequately repaired or the abdominal muscles do not provide the necessary support to keep the hernia closed.
Symptoms of recurrent hernia can include bulging or pain in the area where the hernia was located. It can also lead to other conditions such as bowel obstruction, strangulated hernia, or an incarcerated hernia.
Finally, intestinal obstruction is a rare but serious complication that can occur after hernia surgery. This occurs when hernial openings become blocked or scar tissue forms due to the repair of the hernia.
Symptoms of intestinal obstruction can include severe abdominal pain and swelling, difficulty in breathing, severe vomiting, and constipation. If left untreated, intestinal obstruction can lead to gangrene and even death.
Overall, it is important to be aware of the potential complications that can occur after hernia surgery and to seek prompt medical attention if any symptoms occur. Properly following aftercare instructions is essential for a successful recovery from hernia surgery.
How do you know if something is wrong after hernia surgery?
After hernia surgery, it is important to be aware of any symptoms that may indicate a complication. The most common signs that something is wrong after hernia surgery are sharp pain that worsens with exertion or activity, redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding at the incision site, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is important to contact your doctor immediately as these can be signs of a serious medical complication. Additionally, if the hernia recurs, you may be able to tell by feeling a bulge, tenderness, or pressure in the area of the surgery.
It is important to schedule regular doctor appointments after hernia surgery and be aware of any possible symptoms.
What are the symptoms of hernia mesh problems?
Hernia mesh problems can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from physical to psychological. On the physical side, symptoms can include pain or swelling around the site of the hernia, tenderness, inflammation, difficulty with bowel movements, and lumpiness.
Long-term complications can also include bowel obstruction, blockages, and chronic pain. Psychological symptoms can include anxiety and depression related to the pain and discomfort from the hernia mesh issue.
Other psychological symptoms may include financial stress from expensive treatments and feelings of helplessness or shame. Treatments for hernia mesh problems can vary depending on the type of hernia and the severity of the symptoms.
Generally, the most common treatments include medications and/or surgery. However, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action to manage hernia mesh problems.
What does hernia mesh infection feel like?
Hernia mesh infection can have a variety of symptoms, but some of the most common sensations may be pain, burning, or aching in the affected area. This pain can range from mild to severe and can cause local inflammation and tenderness.
If a hernia mesh infection is left untreated, the pain is likely to increase. Other symptoms can include drainage from the site of the mesh, red streaks appearing on the skin, fever, nausea and vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.
It is important to seek medical attention for suspected hernia mesh infection, as the infection can become serious if it is not treated promptly.
Can a CT scan detect hernia mesh problems?
Yes, a CT scan can detect hernia mesh problems. A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a type of imaging test that uses a special X-ray machine to take cross-sectional pictures of the body from various angles.
These pictures can be useful in diagnosing hernia mesh problems because they can detect any signs of mesh erosion or displacement.
Mesh erosion occurs when the mesh device, which is designed to give support to weakened or torn muscles, degrades or is broken down over time. Displacement occurs when the mesh becomes misplaced or loses its position.
Evidence of either of these issues can be easily seen on the CT scan image, making this type of scan a valuable tool in diagnosing hernia mesh problems.
In some cases, if it is suspected that the hernia mesh is having an adverse reaction, such as infection, then a CT scan will often be combined with other testing methods in order to confirm the diagnosis.
In any case, CT scans are often utilized in the early stages of diagnosing hernia mesh complications and provide important insight into the current health of the patient.
