A hernia is a muscle defect through which the contents that normally lie behind that muscle may protrude. Typically a defect in the muscle occurs at points of natural weakness such as the groin/inguinal area, the umbilicus, previous abdominal wall incisions
The hernia itself can cause pain and discomfort. In extreme circumstances the hernia itself may become stuck
The hernia may be repaired with keyhole surgery. Such procedures are day case operations and result in recovery within a few weeks
Depending upon particular circumstances, the hernia may repaired by making a cut over the hernia itself. Again, these procedures are usually as a day case and recovery occurs over a couple of weeks
Hernia associated with a previous operation can vary in complexity. Frequently scans may be required to determine the muscle defect itself and plan for the operation. Hospital stay and recovery for these procedures vary according to the extent of the incisional hernia defect
Abdominal wall reconstruction procedures may be required for complex abdominal wall hernia. As for incisional hernia, detailed preoperative planning and management is usually required
