Open Hernia Surgery

Hernia is an opening formed by the lining of the abdominal cavity. Abdominal wall hernia occurs when the contents of the intestine bulge out of the abdominal wall. Hernias are developed at birth (congenital) or may appear later (acquired).

A hernia may occur when the lining around the abdominal organs fails to close before birth. Hernia may also result if the connective tissue degenerates in the abdominal wall due to which, pressure builds up in the abdominal wall leading to a bulge in the abdomen. Some of the other factors that worsen hernia are chronic cough, obesity, constipation, pregnancy, poor nutrition, smoking and stretching or straining abdominal muscles while lifting heavy objects.

Surgery is the only treatment and is usually performed for hernias that enlarge in size due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, causing intestinal obstruction and restricted blood supply which may lead to death of bowel tissues.

A hernia repair is usually performed as an outpatient surgery with no overnight stay in the hospital. The operation may be performed as an 'open' or 'keyhole' (laparoscopic) surgery. Your surgeon will decide which procedure is suitable for the repair and performs the surgery with your consent.

Open hernia is performed under general or local anaesthesia. A large incision is made on the groin/abdomen and the bulge is pushed back into place. A hernioplasty or herniorrhaphy is performed.

• Hernioplasty­: This type of procedure is done if the abdominal wall is completely ruptured and damaged. A synthetic mesh is used which is stitched along with the abdominal wall to provide support.
• Herniorrhaphy: This method is done if the abdominal wall is torn and causes leakage of the intestinal contents. Your surgeon opens the wall and pushes the contents back into the abdomen and the torn tissue is stitched.