A hernia occurs when a weak spot in your belly muscles allows a piece of your intestines or the tissue around them to poke through. This can cause a bulge in the area. It can also cause pain. But you may not feel anything.
The hernia may be in your groin. Or it may be near your belly button. In some cases, it's in a scar from an earlier surgery. A doctor can fix a hernia through a cut (incision) made near it. This is called open surgery. Or the doctor may make some very small cuts and use a thin, lighted scope and small tools. This is laparoscopic surgery. If your hernia is bulging, the bulge is pushed back into place. The doctor then sews the healthy tissue back together. Often a piece of material is used to patch the weak spot.
Open surgery will leave a longer scar. Laparoscopic surgery leaves a few small scars. The scars will fade with time.
You may need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. This depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
You are likely to have pain for the next few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.
You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.
For several weeks you may feel discomfort or pulling in the hernia repair when you move. You may have some bruising near the repair site and on your genitals. This is normal. If you have swelling in the genitals, you may be told to wear well-fitting briefs. Spandex bicycle shorts may also provide good support.
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