A hernia is defined as the insertion of abdominal organs under the skin. The fit is through a weak point in the abdominal wall. Such a defect in the abdominal wall can occur in weaker areas such as the inguinal canal or the navel, but it is often a scar hernia caused by an incompletely healed abdominal wall surgical wound.
Typically, the patient feels a hernia as a moving subcutaneous formation, which can disappear when lying down and relaxing the abdominal muscles, i.e. go back to the stomach. A hernia is often accompanied by pain, especially during physical exertion, coughing or sneezing. Inguinal and umbilical hernias are most common.
Risk factors for hernia are:
- connective tissue weakness,
- hard physical work,
- overweight,
- chronic cough,
- constipation.
The diagnosis of the hernia is confirmed by the surgeon based on an examination or ultrasound examination, and if there are no contraindications, the hernia is treated surgically. In modern hernia surgery, a prosthetic mesh is almost always used to strengthen the abdominal wall, which ensures faster healing and good long-term treatment results.
Amsel Clinic recommends and uses the laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery method. Its biggest advantage compared to traditional open surgery is less pain in the post-surgery period and faster recovery. In certain cases, laparoscopic surgery is not possible, then open herniaplasty is an alternative. Wounds are closed with self-absorbing intradermal sutures to ensure the best cosmetic result. After groin and umbilical hernia surgery, patients can go home already on the day of surgery. In the case of surgical treatment of large hernias, you go home the next day or the day after. Recovery from work and exercise after hernia surgery depends on the extent of the operation, but generally does not take more than 1-3 weeks.