What to Expect After Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Choosing laparoscopic hernia repair means a minimally invasive procedure, which helps to speed your recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Still, you need to take certain steps as you heal.
Does a Hernia Always Require Surgery?
There’s no single treatment path for every patient and hernia. Our renowned board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Elvira Klause, has over 15 years of experience treating hernias. From diagnosis to monitoring and surgery, she creates patient-specific treatment plans to meet your needs.
Dr. Klause always puts your needs first. Your health is her top priority, and she wants you to feel empowered when making decisions about your health.
We created this blog to help answer your concerns and questions about hernia surgery so you can make the right decision.
Read on to find out whether your hernia might require surgery.
Understanding hernias
A hernia develops when an internal organ or tissue protrudes through a weak area within the muscle or connective tissue surrounding it. Some common types are:
- Inguinal hernias in the groin
- Hiatal hernias in the upper stomach
- Umbilical hernias in the navel
There are many other types of hernias. Some are congenital, and others are acquired (caused by activities increasing abdominal pressure). Examples of activities may include chronic coughing, straining during bowel movements, or heavy lifting.
Why hernia treatment is essential
Dr. Klause believes in honesty and straightforwardness, and sometimes, that means hearing an answer you might not love. Unfortunately, hernias don’t spontaneously heal.
They usually grow larger over time, and as they do so, they’re more likely to cause complications. Even if your hernia is currently asymptomatic, it’s very likely it won’t stay that way.
Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia, so it’s the recommended treatment for most people. Dr. Klause explains the recommended treatment path and helps you understand the risks of delaying or avoiding surgery.
A potential complication of an untreated hernia is incarceration, in which the hernia gets trapped within the abdominal wall. That may lead to strangulation, causing cut-off blood supply to the trapped tissue. Strangulated hernias can be deadly if not treated immediately.
All of these risks are too great when you have an option to safely repair the hernia and prevent it from progressing.
How surgery can restore your health after hernia
During hernia surgery, Dr. Klause closes the open spot and restores the herniated tissue to its proper place. Sometimes, she places mesh — a plastic material that helps reinforce the repaired area. Mesh stimulates the growth of scar tissue, which prevents hernia recurrence.
Dr. Klause uses minimally invasive surgery methods, such as laparoscopic surgery, whenever possible. Incisions are only 0.5-1 cm (less than half an inch) long, leading to less bleeding, lower infection risk, and faster healing.
Book your hernia repair surgery
When you need hernia diagnosis, monitoring, or surgery, having a surgeon with extensive expertise in these areas is vital. With her outstanding skills in hernia repair and countless happy patients, Dr. Klause is widely known as the go-to surgeon for hernia care in the Laguna Hills, CA, area. Call our office at 949-245-6910 or contact us online today.
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