Abdominal Wall & Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. The two most common types requiring surgery are ventral (abdominal wall) hernias and inguinal (groin) hernias. Below is a detailed breakdown of diagnosis, surgical options, recovery, and risks.
Ventral Hernias (Abdominal Wall)
Ventral hernias occur along the anterior abdominal wall. They’re classified by location:
-
1. Incisional Hernia
Cause:
Develops at the site of a previous surgical incision (e.g., C-section, appendectomy).
Risk Factors:
Poor wound healing (infection, obesity, smoking).
Repeated abdominal surgeries. -
2. Umbilical Hernia
Cause:
Weakness around the belly button (umbilicus).
Common In:
Infants (often closes by age 4–5).
Adults (due to obesity, pregnancy, or chronic coughing). -
3. Epigastric Hernia
Cause:
Occurs between the belly button and sternum (midline).
Risk Factors:
Congenital weakness in the linea alba.
Heavy lifting or abdominal strain. -
4. Spigelian Hernia (Rare)
Cause:
Occurs along the semilunar line (lateral edge of the rectus muscle).
Inguinal Hernias (Groin)
Inguinal hernias are the most common type (75% of all hernias) and occur near the groin. They’re divided into:
-
1. Indirect Inguinal Hernia
Cause:
Congenital defect (failure of the processus vaginalis to close after testicular descent).
Common In:
Men (25% lifetime risk vs. 2% in women).
Premature infants (higher risk of bilateral hernias). -
2. Direct Inguinal Hernia
Cause:
Weakness in the posterior inguinal wall due to aging or repetitive strain.
Risk Factors:
Chronic coughing (COPD).
Heavy manual labor.
Connective tissue disorders. -
3. Femoral Hernia (Less Common, Higher Risk)
Cause:
Tissue protrudes through the femoral canal (below the inguinal ligament).
Common In:
Women (especially multiparous or older).
Surgical Repair Techniques
Hernia surgery aims to push protruding tissue back into place and reinforce the weakened abdominal wall to prevent recurrence. The approach depends on hernia type, size, and patient factors. Below are the most common techniques, categorized by open, minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic), and tissue vs. mesh repairs.
1. Open Hernia Repair (Traditional Surgery)
A. Open Repair with Mesh (Lichtenstein/Tension-Free Repair)
Best for:
- Primary inguinal hernias.
- Large ventral hernias (incisional, umbilical).
Procedure:
1. A 3–5 cm incision is made over the hernia.
2. Herniated tissue is reduced (pushed back).
3. A synthetic mesh is placed over the defect and secured with sutures/tacks.
B. Open Suture Repair (No Mesh)
Techniques:
- Shouldice repair (inguinal): Layered suturing of muscle/fascia.
- Bassini repair: Older method, higher recurrence.
Used for:
- Small hernias (<2 cm).
- Patients avoiding mesh (e.g., prior mesh infection).
2. Minimally Invasive Repair (Laparoscopic/Robotic)
A. Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Repair
Best for:
- Inguinal hernias (especially bilateral/recurrent).
- Ventral hernias (<10 cm).
Procedure:
1. 3 small incisions (5–10 mm) are made.
2. A mesh is placed behind the hernia defect (in the preperitoneal space).
B. Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Repair
Best for:
- Inguinal hernias (avoids entering the abdominal cavity).
C. Robotic Hernia Repair
Similar to laparoscopic but with enhanced 3D visualization/precision.
Best for:
- Complex/recurrent hernias.
What to Expect Before, During & After Surgery
Before Surgery
Medical Evaluation:
- Physical exam, imaging (ultrasound/CT scan).
- Blood tests, EKG if general anesthesia is used.
Pre-Op Instructions:
- Fast for 8–12 hours.
- Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen).
During Surgery
Duration:
- Open repair: 1–2 hours.
- Laparoscopic: 30–90 minutes.
Anesthesia:
- Local (open repair) or general (laparoscopic).
Recovery Timeline
First 24–48 Hours:
- Pain/swelling (managed with meds).
- Light walking to prevent blood clots.
1–2 Weeks:
- Return to light activities (no heavy lifting).
- Stitches removed (if non-dissolvable).
4–6 Weeks:
- Resume normal exercise.
- Full healing takes 3–6 months (mesh integrates).
Benefits of Hernia Surgery
1. Relief from Pain and Discomfort
- Eliminates the Bulge
- Reduces visible protrusion and pressure sensations.
- Resolves Chronic Pain
- Stops aching, burning, or sharp pains caused by herniated tissue.
- Improves Mobility
- Restores ability to bend, lift, and exercise without discomfort.
2. Prevents Life-Threatening Complications
- Avoids Strangulation
- Emergency surgery is riskier than elective repair.
- Reduces risk of bowel obstruction or tissue death (necrosis).
- Reduces Incarceration Risk
- Hernias that can’t be pushed back manually may require urgent surgery.
3. Restores Core Strength and Function
Abdominal Wall Hernias:
- Improves posture and reduces back pain by reinforcing weakened muscles.
- Helps with breathing and digestion (reduces bloating).
Inguinal Hernias:
- Restores groin stability for walking, running, and lifting.
- Resolves testicular pain (in men with scrotal hernias).
4. Cosmetic and Psychological Benefits
- Flatter Abdomen (after ventral hernia repair).
- No More Visible Groin Bulge (inguinal hernia repair).
- Boosts Confidence – Patients feel more comfortable in clothing and swimwear.
Affordable Pricing And Financing Available
Though your medical insurance won’t likely apply to surgery in Mexico, you can still expect to save thousands by working with our team. We offer our world-class services without the outsized price tags many American and Canadian patients have come to expect.
We accept cash, Visa, PayPal, and traveler’s checks, but we also make a point of accepting financing to keep our care even more affordable. You can arrange low-interest financing through United Medical Credit or eFinancing Solutions and pay for your surgery in monthly installments.
5-Star Reviews From Real Patients
Kylie Sword
2024
Right from the start the staff were very welcoming. Always checking in how I was and assisting me with all my needs. I couldn't ask for any more. Thank you to all the team
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Holly Watson
2024
Great easy process. Wonderful nurses and doctors. Everything I needed was sorted. Feel amazing leave not nervous at all
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