Hernia Repair
in Los Angeles, Palmdale & Valencia
Hernia Repair Surgery
Approximately 600,000 hernia repair operations are performed annually in the United States. Many are performed by the conventional “open” method. Some inguinal Hernia Repair Los Angeles repairs are performed using a small telescope known as a laparoscope.
What is a hernia?
A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery. Both men and women can get a hernia. You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time.
A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.
What Causes a Hernia?
The wall of the abdomen has natural areas of potential weakness. Hernias can develop at these or other areas due to heavy strain on the abdominal wall, aging, injury, an old incision or a weakness present from birth. Anyone can develop a hernia at any age. Most hernias in children are congenital. In adults, a natural weakness or strain from heavy lifting, persistent coughing, difficulty with bowel movements or urination can cause the abdominal wall to weaken or separate.
Hernia Repair is normally performed under general anesthetic, although some patients elect to have the procedure done under local anesthetic.
What do I Have to do to Prepare For Hernia Repair Surgery?
You will be examined by a physician and undergo blood work testing to ensure that you are medically fit for Hernia Repair Los Angeles surgery. You should stop taking aspirin , or any anti-flammitory drugs.
You will be given a prescription to antibiotics and painkillers, which you should fill before your surgery so that you have them easily available on day of surgery and your driver and/or caregiver is not running around to drugstores on the day of your surgery.
How Long Does Hernia Repair Take?
Hernia Repair can take from one to four hours to complete.
What Happens on The Day of Hernia Repair Surgery?
A friend or family member must bring you to the Beverly Hills Institute of Plastic Surgery. Our Patient Care Coordinator will greet you and bring in into the an examining room, where your Plastic Surgeon will mark outlines on the parts of your body that will indicate where the treatment will be administered.
Photos will be taken of the treatment areas, so that you will be able to compare the results to another set of photos that will be taken after you have fully recovered from the surgery.
Following the surgery, you will be placed in a support/pressure garment that will help to reduce inflammation and bruising.
Most hernia operations are performed on an outpatient basis, and therefore the you will probably go home on the same day that the operation is performed.
Following the operation, you will be transferred to the recovery room where you will be monitored for 1-2 hours until you are fully awake. Once you are awake and able to walk, you will be sent home. With any hernia operation, you can expect some soreness mostly during the first 24 to 48 hours.You are encouraged to be up and about the day after surgery.
Your surgeon will call you once you are safely home, to see how you are doing and to make sure you are recovering normally. Call and schedule a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks after you operation.
What is the Hernia Repair Recovery Process?
With laparoscopic hernia repair, you will probably be able to get back to your normal activities within a short amount of time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, lifting, working and engaging in sexual intercourse.
What Are The Risks of Hernia Repair?
Like all surgery, they are always risks. Typical Hernia Repair Los Angeles risks include: a slight risk of injury to the urinary bladder, the intestines, blood vessels, nerves or the sperm tube going to the testicle. Difficulty urinating after surgery is not unusual and may require a temporary tube into the urinary bladder for as long as one week. Once you are deemed a good candidate for a hernia repair, your Plastic Surgeon will discuss the risks in detail with you during your initial consultation.
What is The Costs of Hernia Repair?
Costs are based on the unique needs of the patient. Your Patient Care Coordinator will discuss the cost of your Hernia Repair surgery and the payment options available to you.