Friday, June 12, 2015

Basics Regarding Groin Hernia Surgery San Ramon, CA Patients May Want To Know

By Elaine Guthrie


Hernias are a common finding among many people in the general population. The site of occurrence and size greatly vary. The commonest types are those that are found in the groin region namely the femoral and the inguinal types. The inguinal type is the commonest amongst all the types that exist. Femoral hernias will be seen mainly among female patients. Regardless of the type, the mainstay of treatment is surgery. There are a number of important things related to groin hernia surgery San Ramon, CA residents may wish to know.

Having some background knowledge on hernia anatomy goes a long way in helping us understand what exactly is involved. The condition generally occurs in a region with a defect or weakness (most commonly on the abdominal wall). In the presence of such a weakness, contents of the abdominal cavity protrude through the defect and can be palpated just below the skin. This frequently happens when you cough, bear down or do heavy lifting.

There are two types of surgery performed for this condition; emergency and elective. Elective operations are done to stable patients in whom no complications have taken place. For this reason, the patient can be investigated fully and scheduled for the operation when it is most convenient.

Emergency operations are required for the complicated cases. Once in a while a hernia may become obstructed and fail to reduce in size manually. There is usually accompanying pain and severe discomfort that often involves the entire abdomen. In severe cases, there is vomiting, failure to pass stool and anorexia. The operation has to be done immediately to relieve the obstruction and to prevent gangrene of trapped contents.

You will need to be adequately prepared before undergoing the procedure. Part of the operation includes talking to the surgeon so as to understand what the operation is all about. You need to know what the possible risks are. Once this has been done and you have no objection to the operation you will be required to give your consent for the operation to be planned for. In some cases the consent is given just before the procedure.

In order to determine your suitability for the operation, some tests have to be conducted. The main blood tests that are performed include a full blood count and renal function tests. The full blood count helps to determine whether the level of your hemoglobin is high enough. An optimally functioning kidney is vital in maintaining hemodynamic stability hence the need for renal function tests. Abnormalities in any of these tests may lead to postponement of the operation.

It takes just about one hour to complete the operation in most cases. As a matter of fact the procedure is regarded as a day case. Since regional anesthesia is used, you will be allowed to go home as soon as the numbness wears off your lower limbs. Patients are advised to desist from strenuous physical activities especially in the immediate postoperative period so as to reduce the risk of recurrence.

There may be some complications encountered in the course of the operation but these are not common. Excessive bleeding, injury to vital structures in the groin region, post operative pain are some of the complications reported albeit rarely. If you notice anything unusual after the procedure, get in touch with your doctor.




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