Most people think of a hernia as an ache or a bulge near the stomach. However there are hernias that occur without any symptoms. Following on from Men’s Health Week, Consultant Bariatric, Upper Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Professor Marcus Reddy, talks to you about ways to avoid a hernia and the treatments available.

How a hernia occurs

A hernia occurs when the tissue that forms the wall around your organs tears or weakens, causing your organs to push through this tear. Where complications arise, a hernia can be life threatening, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Different types or hernias and where they are found

The most common hernias occur in the torso and in the groin:

• Hiatus hernia- by the diaphragm
• Umbilical hernia -occurring near the bellybutton
• Inguinal hernia - in the groin

Another common type of hernia, an incisional hernia, occurs within an old scar of a previous surgery.

The Hiatus hernia

The Hiatus hernia can be either a sliding hernia or a less common rolling hernia.

A sliding hiatus hernia flares up when the sphincter and the top part of your stomach pushes up into your chest, causing your stomach to reflux acid up towards your throat, giving you heartburn and symptoms such as excess phlegm.

This Hiatus hernia can unfortunately go unnoticed, as you might not have symptoms, especially with a rolling hernia.

Hiatus hernias with reflux are often managed with diet and tablets. This hernia can be repaired with a minimally invasive keyhole operation which will also prevent your reflux from returning.

During keyhole surgery, your surgeon will make a small puncture and insert a small camera through the abdominal wall, reducing your pain during your surgery and resulting in a quicker recovery time.

The advantage of an artificial mesh

A common topic among discussion surrounding hernia surgery is the implications of having an artificial mesh secured in place of your hernia. Mesh materials are known to have an infamous ability to hold onto infection and to cause trauma to neighbouring tissues.

In spite of this, a mesh is more often than not, your best option. Your surgeon will most likely recommend an artificial mesh because it reinforces your natural tissues and can prevent your hernia from coming back; fundamentally, a mesh will significantly reduce your need to undergo a second or third surgery.

Most surgeons will use a mesh specifically for an inguinal or groin hernia repair. Men can avoid second time repairs where damage to the blood supply to the testicles can occur.

Expected recovery time after surgery

Whichever type of hernia you might find yourself with, your surgery will most likely be a day case procedure so you will be able to return to work within a few days. 

Following your operation, your pain level should improve and within two weeks or so, you can expect your pain level to be very low.

If you do still experience pain after two weeks, your pain can be investigated with scans including an Ultrasound, MRI, an examination and assessment of the hips and lower back. Later, Physiotherapy, heat treatment, and cortisone injections can be administered depending on your individual case.

Tips to prevent the emergence of a hernia

Although Hernias are common conditions that are frequently treated now with less invasive surgery they can be prevented. Here are a few useful tips:

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Quit smoking
• Use the correct technique when lifting heavy objects
• Build up your core muscles
• Seek treatment if you find yourself with a persistent cough

If you are concerned about your symptoms or would like further information on hernia surgery or gastrointestinal health, you can speak to one of our Consultant General Surgeons or call us on 020 8949 9020. Alternatively you can fill in our online form.