A hernia may occur when there is a medical problem or too much activity that increases pressure on the abdominal wall tissue and muscles, such as chronic constipation or straining to have bowel movements, chronic cough, cystic fibrosis, enlarged prostate or straining to urinate, extra weight, constant heavy lifting and undescended testicles. This weakening of the abdominal wall causes the lining of the abdomen to bulge out into a small sac and part of the intestine or abdominal tissue may enter the sac. Hernias occur most commonly in the groin (inguinal hernia), the navel (umbilical hernia), and at the incision site of a previous surgery. Surgery will usually be used for hernias that are getting larger or are painful. Surgery secures the weakened abdominal wall tissue (fascia) and will close any holes. There are two options for hernia surgery: open or laparoscopic. Listed below you will find experienced gastroenterologists around Colorado Springs that can give you more information on hernia repair.

Laparoscopic surgery can be used for hernia repair. Instead of one long incision, four or five tiny incisions are made in the area around the hernia. A device called a laparoscope, which is a miniature scope attached to a video camera, is inserted into one of the incisions.

Surgery proceeds in much the same way, regardless of where the incision is made. The hernia sac is carefully opened and the intestine or other tissue is placed back inside the abdomen. The weakened area is repaired and reinforced with a synthetic mesh or a suture that pulls the abdominal muscle tissue back together.

The anesthesiologist (the doctor who administers the anesthesia) performs a brief physical examination and takes a patient history. It is important the anesthesiologist is aware of all medications that the patient is taking, any allergies, and if there has been a prior adverse reaction to anesthesia.

The laparoscopic hernia repair allows patients to return to their normal routine much more quickly. Some people can return to work in just a few days. Recovery from the conventional surgery takes a little longer because there is more pain and soreness around the wound. Generally, a patient can be guided by the amount of discomfort they feel. Any activity, such as driving, that causes pain and puts a strain on the incision should be avoided until it can be comfortably tolerated. The same holds true for work. People with desk jobs usually can return to work within a week or two.