Symptoms of abdominal wall hernia

Abdominal wall hernia can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, heavy exercise and lifting, muscle weakness, obesity and high blood pressure.
Abdominal wall hernia is characterised by symptoms such as bulging or swelling in the abdomen, tenderness in the area of the bulge, and pain that worsens with sharp movements, including coughing or sneezing.
Hernia is characterised by changes in the abdominal outlet, including constipation or diarrhoea.
There may also be nausea or vomiting.

How is abdominal wall hernia surgery performed?

The operation usually takes less than an hour and is performed under general anaesthesia.
During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the anterior abdominal wall above the mass and the contents of the hernia sac are returned to the abdominal cavity.
During the operation, it is most often not necessary to open the abdominal cavity.
The abdominal wall defect is closed using a synthetic prosthesis.
This reinforces the abdominal wall defect without stretching the tissue and reduces the risk of hernia recurrence.
The wound is closed with cosmetic sutures.

Laparoscopic hernia repair

During the consultation, the surgeon will assess whether laparoscopic abdominal hernia repair is possible.
During laparoscopic surgery, several small incisions are made instead of one large incision.
Laparoscopic surgery takes a little longer compared to traditional open surgery, but it causes less trauma to the tissues, significantly reduces post-operative pain and ensures a faster recovery.
The small incisions also provide a more aesthetic result with less scarring.

Laparoscopic postoperative hernia repair

An abdominal wall hernia can also develop after previous abdominal surgery.
The scar tissue covering the abdominal wall after surgery weakens it and a hernia can form.
If you have had previous abdominal surgery and feel a scar in the area, you should consult your doctor immediately, as the risk of complications is very high in the case of a post-operative hernia.
To prevent the risk of complications, the surgeon excises the scar tissue during laparoscopic surgery and places the contents of the hernia sac back into the abdominal cavity.
The abdominal wall defect is closed with a synthetic prosthesis.

Postoperative period

The post-operative period depends on the operation, including the size and location of the hernia, and your general state of health.
Our surgeon will tell you about the expected recovery process during your consultation.
After the operation, you will need to stay in hospital for a few days.
From the first day after surgery you will be able to stand up and walk independently, gradually resuming your daily activities.
There are no special dietary restrictions after surgery, but it is advisable to increase the amount of fibre in your diet and avoid foods that distend your stomach.
A rest period of 1-2 weeks is recommended.
Avoid going to the sauna and bath for 2 weeks after surgery.
For 3-4 months, it is necessary to refrain from heavy physical exercise and not to lift weights of more than 5 kg.
A corrective post-operative belt should be worn daily as prescribed by the doctor.

How to prepare for abdominal wall hernia surgery?

You should arrive for surgery on an empty stomach.
When you make an appointment, your doctor will tell you how to prepare and answer any questions you may have.
Before surgery, you may need to consult an anaesthetist and have several tests, such as blood tests, abdominal CT scan, lung X-ray and electrocardiogram.
The specific tests will be prescribed by our surgeon during your consultation.