Hernia Surgery
Type of Hernias
- An incisional hernia occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.
- An umbilical hernia occurs at the navel.
- An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin. This is the most common type.
Picture showing Small Intestine protruding from Hernial Defect
Before Surgery
Your surgeon may be able to feel the hernia directly or you may require a radiology test to confirm. We usually perform a CT scan to see the extent and nature of a hernia that is hard to feel. Some patients have a hernia for years, or even decades without knowing it.
Hernia Surgery
There are two main techniques with hernia surgery. Your surgeon will discuss which is best for you.
- Open surgery: This may be necessary if you have had previous surgery or excessive scar tissue or if the hernia is very large (>10 cm).
- Laparoscopic surgery: This is the most common way to perform surgery. It limits the pain after surgery, frequently allows patients to go home the same day and helps reduce complications after surgery.