Expert Abdominal and Groin Hernias Treatment in Sydney

What is a hernia?

• A hernia is a condition where there is an abnormal protrusion of the abdominal cavity’s contents, through a weakness in the wall of the cavity.
• Sites: Hernia can happen anywhere. Most commonly in the groin and abdominal wall risk factors: Males, elderly age, obesity, immunocompromised state, frequent coughing, trauma and previous operation of the abdominal wall

When to seek surgical help?

• Hernia needs repair when they cause symptoms or gets bigger.
• Common symptoms: Visible lump at rest or on straining, pain and a lump that increases in size (e.g., groin lump extending into the scrotum)
• Pain in a visible lump could be a sign of obstruction or strangulation which is a surgical emergency.

What is the management of a hernia?

• The management depends on a few factors including the nature of the presentation (emergency or elective), the site of the hernia and the fitness of the patients (existing medical conditions).
• Best outcomes are achieved when operations are performed in an elective setting after optimisation of medical conditions and lifestyle that decreases the chances of the hernia coming back.
• Investigation: CT scan may be required in cases of large or recurrent hernia prior to operation
• Optimisation: This includes weight loss (bariatric surgery), smoking cessation, nutritional optimisation and control of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
• The approach varies from open, hybrid to key-hole operations depending on the site of the hernia and whether it is a primary or recurrent hernia.
• Mesh is used to re-enforcing the weak abdominal wall to reduce the chance of recurrence.
• Recurrence: The chance of recurrence varies from 2% (primary groin hernia) to 30-40% (recurrent abdominal wall hernia). Optimisation of the patient’s condition is the key to reducing the recurrence.

What to expect after surgery?

• Hospital stay depends on the approach to operation and the site of operation.
• This can range from same-day discharge for a keyhole operation for a groin hernia to a few days in a complex abdominal wall hernia.
• The patient is recommended not to lift heavy weights for at least 4-6 weeks up to as long as 3 months in complex hernias and wear a support belt during the recovery period, although light duties could be started as early as one week.