Hernias are a fairly common occurrence within the general population. Those that occur within the groin area form a bulk of the cases. In this group, there are two main subtypes: inguinal and femoral. The inguinal type is the commonest in both men and women. The femoral type, on the other hand, is mainly seen among female patients. The management of virtually all types of hernias is through surgery. There are a number of things regarding groin hernia surgery San Ramon, CA residents may wish to know.
Having some background knowledge on hernia anatomy goes a long way in helping us understand what exactly is involved. The condition generally occurs in a region with a defect or weakness (most commonly on the abdominal wall). In the presence of such a weakness, contents of the abdominal cavity protrude through the defect and can be palpated just below the skin. This frequently happens when you cough, bear down or do heavy lifting.
There are two types of surgery performed for this condition; emergency and elective. Elective operations are done to stable patients in whom no complications have taken place. For this reason, the patient can be investigated fully and scheduled for the operation when it is most convenient.
Emergency operations are required for the complicated cases. Once in a while a hernia may become obstructed and fail to reduce in size manually. There is usually accompanying pain and severe discomfort that often involves the entire abdomen. In severe cases, there is vomiting, failure to pass stool and anorexia. The operation has to be done immediately to relieve the obstruction and to prevent gangrene of trapped contents.
As is the case with other types of operations, if you intend to undergo this procedure, you need to be prepared beforehand. Part of the preparation includes being educated on the procedure; what is to be done and the attendant risks. Once the doctor has explained everything to you and you have given consent, the procedure can be planned for.
Several blood tests need to be carried out to ascertain your suitability to undergo the operation. A full blood count is routinely done to determine the level of hemoglobin and that of platelets. These parameters help in assessing your hemodynamic stability. Renal functions tests are the other set of tests that are very important. Abnormalities in these tests may cause cancellation of the operation.
It takes just about one hour to complete the operation in most cases. As a matter of fact the procedure is regarded as a day case. Since regional anesthesia is used, you will be allowed to go home as soon as the numbness wears off your lower limbs. Patients are advised to desist from strenuous physical activities especially in the immediate postoperative period so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.
There are some complications that have been observed but in very few patients. Excessive bleeding during surgery may be seen but this is easily managed since there is no major blood vessel at the site of operation. There may also be prolonged pain after the procedure which can be easily managed by analgesic medication.
Having some background knowledge on hernia anatomy goes a long way in helping us understand what exactly is involved. The condition generally occurs in a region with a defect or weakness (most commonly on the abdominal wall). In the presence of such a weakness, contents of the abdominal cavity protrude through the defect and can be palpated just below the skin. This frequently happens when you cough, bear down or do heavy lifting.
There are two types of surgery performed for this condition; emergency and elective. Elective operations are done to stable patients in whom no complications have taken place. For this reason, the patient can be investigated fully and scheduled for the operation when it is most convenient.
Emergency operations are required for the complicated cases. Once in a while a hernia may become obstructed and fail to reduce in size manually. There is usually accompanying pain and severe discomfort that often involves the entire abdomen. In severe cases, there is vomiting, failure to pass stool and anorexia. The operation has to be done immediately to relieve the obstruction and to prevent gangrene of trapped contents.
As is the case with other types of operations, if you intend to undergo this procedure, you need to be prepared beforehand. Part of the preparation includes being educated on the procedure; what is to be done and the attendant risks. Once the doctor has explained everything to you and you have given consent, the procedure can be planned for.
Several blood tests need to be carried out to ascertain your suitability to undergo the operation. A full blood count is routinely done to determine the level of hemoglobin and that of platelets. These parameters help in assessing your hemodynamic stability. Renal functions tests are the other set of tests that are very important. Abnormalities in these tests may cause cancellation of the operation.
It takes just about one hour to complete the operation in most cases. As a matter of fact the procedure is regarded as a day case. Since regional anesthesia is used, you will be allowed to go home as soon as the numbness wears off your lower limbs. Patients are advised to desist from strenuous physical activities especially in the immediate postoperative period so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.
There are some complications that have been observed but in very few patients. Excessive bleeding during surgery may be seen but this is easily managed since there is no major blood vessel at the site of operation. There may also be prolonged pain after the procedure which can be easily managed by analgesic medication.
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