What’s Involved if I Need Hernia Repair?

Did you know that every year more than a million Americans experience a hernia? This common condition occurs when fatty tissue or an organ squeezes through a weak area of your body, usually in your abdominal wall. 

In some cases, you can see the hernia bulge under your skin, especially when bearing down or straining.

At Wyoming Medical Associates, board-certified surgeon Dr. Jacob Rinker and our team have the expertise to diagnose your hernia and treat it effectively. 

Hernias aren’t always life-threatening, but they can cause other serious health complications if ignored, and they don’t have the ability to repair on their own.

Symptoms of a hernia

Depending what type of hernia you have, you might experience such symptoms as:

  • A lump under the affected area
  • Disappearance of the lump when you lie down
  • A noticeable lump with touch when coughing, standing up, or bending down
  • Pain in the area
  • Heartburn
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing

In some cases, your primary care doctor might discover that you have a hernia during a routine physical, even if you’ve had no symptoms. 

In other cases, you can suffer from such extreme symptoms as vomiting, fever, or sudden pain. If these alarming issues occur, call 911 immediately.

Treatment for a hernia

If you don’t have serious symptoms from your hernia, we can simply monitor its condition to make sure it doesn’t cause any health problems.

But since a hernia can’t heal itself, Dr. Rinker uses laparoscopic surgery or open surgery to repair your hernia. 

During this procedure, we first give you general anesthesia so you don’t feel anything. Dr. Rinker then makes several very small incisions in your abdomen through which he inserts surgical tools and repairs the hernia. 

To reinforce the weak area, Dr. Rinker may use mesh to protect you from another hernia. Otherwise, he can sew the edges of your healthy tissue together.

Recovery from hernia surgery

You should be able to go home the same day you have the surgery. Your recovery time takes about a week or two. While you’re healing, we recommend that you rest and avoid any kind of activity.

Don’t participate in strenuous movements or exercise for at least four weeks. It’s imperative that you give your body the necessary time to heal.

If you’re suffering from hernia symptoms, schedule an appointment right away. Call us or book your appointment online at the location nearest you today. We can also set up a telehealth call for your convenience.