In an article by London hernia expert Arjun Shankar, “Latest Expert advice on Surgery for Hernias” we find out what a hernia is and how unless treated properly they can recur and cause complications. Surgical expertise and experience is naturally the most important factor to determine whether the operation is successful first time.
If the groin hernia recurs then any subsequent re-repair is far more complex. Once a repair has been performed the anatomy of the groin is permanently changed with dense scarring around the groin structures. This is why it is so important to reduce recurrence rates to the lowest level possible. The scarring found makes identification of the anatomy far more difficult and hence complication rates are far higher. Nerves are more commonly damaged and the risk of injuring the blood supply to the testicle is not insignificant (up to 5% in some series).
This article is important for any patient who finds that they have done themselves an injury as it will inform the choice of treatment.
Dear sir/madam
I had an incisional hernia repair in October 2008 which became infected and subsequently failed leaving a much larger hernia.
I had this repaired in June 2009 which was done with a very large 30cm mesh but although this has remained intact my abdomen has a large bulge.
I have been told that this is due to central muscle separation and abdominal exercise will do little good.
I am wondering if this could be corrected by abdominal wall surgery as I am becoming distressd by my condition
Can you give me any advice please
Many thanks
J.S.Wrigley
Dear Sir
What you are describing is a common occurence and maybe due to a number of causes. Firstly the hernia may have recurred, secondly the mesh may have been placed correctly but the overlying tissue is weak and thirdly the abdominal wall maybe intact but the overlying skin is unsightly.
Ideally you should get specialist advice from your local hernia surgeon.