Most people with a hernia will need surgery to fix it. Hernia surgery usually works well. However, it’s important to choose a surgeon who specializes in hernia repairs. Research indicates that up to 30% of patients may develop a second hernia after their first hernia repair. Therefore, people often ask, “Is a recurrent hernia dangerous?” Let’s discuss the details.
What Is a Recurrent Hernia?
A hernia happens when tissue or an organ pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. Surgery is usually the best option to fix it. While most hernia surgeries are successful, there is a chance the hernia could come back months or even years later. When a hernia returns to the same area where it was repaired before, it is called a recurrent hernia.
Recurrent Hernia Symptoms
The signs of a recurrent hernia are often similar to those of the first hernia. A recurrent hernia can cause a bulge at or near the original site. It can lead to pain that ranges from a mild ache to severe discomfort. The pain gets worse during activities like lifting heavy objects or even when coughing or sneezing. Recurrent hernias can also cause bloating or constipation.
Why Do I Keep Getting Hernias?
Recurrent hernias can happen for several reasons. These include:
- Infection: If an infection affects healing, the connective tissue (fascia) may not have healed properly, requiring another surgery.
- Weak Fascia: If the first hernia repair was done in a weak spot of the fascia, the patient might need revision surgery.
- Failed Repair: A hernia can come back if the initial repair didn’t hold. To prevent this, many hernia surgeries use mesh, which reduces the risk of recurrence by up to 50%.
- Lifestyle and activities: Certain factors can strain the area of the original hernia repair, increasing the chances of it returning. These include being overweight, smoking, having diabetes, taking immune-suppressing medications, and doing heavy lifting or other physical activities.
How Dangerous Is a Recurrent Hernia?
Recurrent hernias are dangerous to ignore, as they lead to serious problems. When a hernia returns near the site of a previous repair, it can cause conditions like incarceration, where the intestines get stuck, or strangulation, which cuts off the blood supply to the trapped intestines. These complications can cause infections, block digestion, and cut off blood flow. This requires an emergency surgery.
Repairing recurrent hernias is also more difficult due to scar tissue and previous mesh implants. Each additional surgery increases the risk of complications. Therefore, it’s important to treat recurrent hernias quickly.
Recurrent Hernia Treatment
To avoid complications, you must not delay the recurrent hernia treatment. Your options include:
- Observation: In mild cases, your doctor may suggest keeping an eye on the hernia before deciding on treatment.
- Elective Surgical Repair: If the hernia causes significant pain or discomfort, your surgeon might recommend planned surgery to fix it.
- Emergency Surgical Repair: In rare cases, emergency surgery is needed if the hernia risks cutting off blood flow to the intestines.
Surgical options for recurrent hernias include:
- Open Hernia Repair: A cut is made over the hernia, and the bulging tissue or organ is pushed back in place. The hole is then closed with stitches or a combination of stitches and mesh.
- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: This minimally invasive surgery uses small cuts, a tiny camera, special tools, and mesh to repair the hernia.
- Robotic Hernia Repair: This procedure is similar to laparoscopic repair, but the surgeon uses robotic technology for more precise movements.
- Complex Hernia Repair: Involves separating the layers of the abdominal wall to create a stronger, more durable repair.
Wrapping Up
Hernias are usually not life-threatening. However, their recurrence can make you think, “Is a recurrent hernia dangerous?” Only if left untreated. Choosing the right specialists for your hernia repair surgery can reduce the risk of its recurrence.
Visit Dr. Rick Q. Ngo at Texas Hernia & Surgical Specialists. Our hernia specialist is well-trained in performing minimally invasive hernia surgeries with high success rates. Call us at (888) 365-1544 for an appointment.