Hernia surgery is done to treat symptomatic cases of hernia. A hernia is the movement or displacement of an organ/s from its original location through a hiatus (gap). The incidence of hernia increases with age, but congenital hernia too has a high prevalence in newborns. Though hernias do occur normally and are dormant for a lifetime, in a few scenarios, it gives rise to complications. Hernia surgery becomes inevitable for survival when it presents with evident problems and changes either externally or internally.
This post will answer all your questions, like ‘Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?’, ‘Why is my stomach bloated after hernia surgery?’, ‘How long does hernia surgery take?’ and ‘Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair?’
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Why Is Hernia Surgery Done?
- Types of Hernia Surgery
- How Long Does Hernia Surgery Take?
- Benefits of Hernia Surgery
- What Are the Risks of Hernia Surgery?
- Swelling after Hernia Surgery – A Rising Concern
- Why Is Hernia Surgery Done?
It is always wise to gauge the risk-benefit ratio before going for hernia surgery. Nearly all adults and children, at some point in life, require a hernia to be operated on. Depending on the content and nature of the hernia, the course of its progression takes place. Up to what extent can the hernia remain asymptomatic and harmless, is the factor that on the large will decide the fate of the disease. Relative indications for hernia surgery may be on the grounds of increased weight, bodily discomfort and unaesthetic appearance. Perhaps a few absolute contraindications that would require immediate hernia surgery are:
- Restricted physical activity due to discomfort from a giant hernia
- Surface ulceration
- Hernia giving rise to nutritional perplexities of the intestine and surrounding areas
- Complete or partial obstruction of the intestine
- Types of Hernia Surgery
There are three basic types of hernia surgery. Either of the approaches is taken by the surgeon on the basis the type, location and severity of the hernia.
- Open surgery: An incision or cut is made at the site of the hernia. The protruding organ is pushed back to its original location. Then, with or without the use of a mesh, the procedure is completed.
- Laparoscopic surgery: It involves tiny incisions via which surgical tools are introduced to correct the herniation. It is highly recommended nowadays as it provides faster recovery and fewer complaints of swelling after hernia surgery.
- Robotic hernia repair: It is done in case of smaller hernias.
- How long does hernia surgery take?
Hernia surgery is routinely done under general anaesthesia. Usually, it takes 30–45 minutes for the surgery to last. Nonetheless, any underlying medical condition may require an additional day of stay in the hospital. With laparoscopy techniques, hernia surgeries can be performed in as few as 30 minutes. Although uncomplicated surgeries of hernia under local anaesthesia can be done even faster.
- Benefits of Hernia Surgery
With the advent of laparoscopy and robot-assisted technologies, hernia surgeries have become simplified. They can be done with or without a hospital stay. Unlike the traditional incisional forms, modern procedures, like laparoscopic hernia surgery can be done effortlessly with eventful results. Benefits of laparoscopic hernia surgery may include:
- Minimal scarring
- Reduced pain post-surgery
- Faster recovery, that is, within days compared to weeks
- Reduced postoperative medications
- Limited restrictions
- A shorter break from work and normal routine
- What are the risks of hernia surgery?
The development of postoperative problems may add to certain risks post hernia repair surgery. Perhaps limited by shorter recovery periods, the follow-up results are quite promising and satisfactory. Although evaluating the final result of the hernia surgery is difficult. The various procedures and techniques adopted to treat are still evolving and the best approach to operate is yet to be defined. Besides the regular practice of general anaesthesia, potential complications arise due to:
- Shrinkage of the mesh applied
- Migration or displacement of the mesh
- Swelling after hernia surgery, resulting in a bloated stomach (very common)
- Rupture of surrounding structures, such as the bladder and blood vessels
- Formation of fistula
- Reduction in the mobility of the abdominal wall
- Long-standing inflammation
- Persistent chronic pain
- Scarring
- Wound infection and formation of underlying clots
- Impaired wound healing in debilitating patients and those suffering from obesity, kidney disorders, diabetes and addicted to smoking or under steroids
- Chances of recurrence
- Anxiety due to disturbing thoughts, like ‘Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair?’ and ‘Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?’
- Swelling after Hernia Surgery – A Rising Concern
Post hernia surgery, maximum patients complain of swelling. It occurs quite often and is not a symptom to worry about. It is actually the body’s way to respond normally as a reflex to any insult, in this case, to surgery. So, patients frequently ask, ‘Why is my stomach bloated after hernia surgery?’
Well, swelling after hernia surgery is a healing process. To combat the injury due to surgery, excess fluid (composed of nutrients and cells to aid in tissue repair) is produced by the body. Hence, the site gives a swollen appearance that has a lump-like feeling.
Many patients have queries like ‘Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?’ Perhaps, all the extra fluid that has accumulated gets an additional drag/pull by the force of gravity. This makes your stomach feel big and is the reason for that swelling after hernia surgery.
The next thing clouding your thoughts would be, ‘Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair?’
Certainly, yes. It typically takes the body 3–6 months to get rid of the swelling after hernia surgery. The disappearing swelling demarcates the completion of the healing process. This means your zapped-up physical routine comes back to normalcy.
FAQs
Why is my stomach bigger after hernia surgery?
After hernia surgery, oedema and inflammation from the procedure could make your stomach look larger. Most of the time, the swelling is very transient and goes away in a few weeks. Speak with your physician if you have concerns about the size of the stomach following hernia surgery. They can offer suggestions on how to lessen the swelling as well as assist you in identifying the cause.
Life after hiatal hernia surgery
After having a hiatal hernia surgery, the majority of patients heal completely and may resume their regular activities in a couple of weeks. Nonetheless, during the healing phase, it's critical to strictly adhere to the doctor's directions. This might entail taking painkillers, getting lots of rest, and steering clear of physically demanding pursuits. Most patients who undergo surgery to repair a hiatal hernia see a notable reduction in symptoms over time.
How long will my stomach be swollen after umbilical hernia surgery?
Following surgery for an umbilical hernia, swelling is a common side effect. Each person experiences swelling differently and for a different length of time. Following surgery, most patients have mild swelling for as much as two weeks. However, certain individuals could have swelling that lasts longer.
Can you have a flat stomach after hernia surgery?
A flat stomach following hernia surgery is contingent upon several things, such as the kind of the hernia, the extent of the problem, and your general physical state. After surgery, you might be able to obtain a flat stomach provided you had a small hernia and maintain good physical health.
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