Hernia Repairs Gold Coast
The word hernia comes from the Latin word for rupture. A hernia happens when an internal organ or tissue, such as part of the bowel or fatty tissue, pushes through a weak spot or gap in the muscle wall that normally holds it in place. Most hernias occur in the abdominal wall, particularly the groin.
Groin hernias are much more common in men than in women. Around one in four men will develop a groin hernia at some point in their life, compared with around three in every 100 women.
Many hernias can be gently pushed back into place, or go back on their own when you lie down. This is called a reducible hernia. A hernia that cannot be pushed back is called an irreducible or incarcerated hernia. This type can become strangulated, which means its blood supply is cut off. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency that needs urgent surgery.
Hernias can form in different parts of the body for different reasons, and are named according to where they occur. Some are present from birth, some develop because of increased pressure on the abdomen, such as from weight gain, pregnancy, chronic coughing or heavy lifting, some are linked to muscles weakening with age, and some develop at the site of a previous operation. Groin hernias are more common in babies and in older adults.
Here are the most common types of hernia.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin, where tissue pushes through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall. Some inguinal hernias are due to a weakness present from birth, while others develop over time as the muscles weaken. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia in both men and women, although they are much more common in men.
Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia occurs at the top of the thigh, just below the groin crease, where tissue pushes through the channel that carries the main blood vessels to the leg. Femoral hernias are more common in women than in men. They have a higher risk of becoming strangulated than inguinal hernias, so they are usually repaired promptly.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia occurs at or near the belly button, where there is a natural weak point in the abdominal wall. Umbilical hernias are common in babies and often close on their own in early childhood. In adults, they can develop because of increased pressure on the abdomen, such as from pregnancy or weight gain, and do not go away on their own.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia develops through the scar of a previous abdominal operation, where the muscle wall has not healed fully or has weakened over time.
Diaphragmatic (Hiatus) Hernia
A hiatus hernia happens when part of the stomach pushes up through the gap in the diaphragm where the oesophagus (food pipe) passes through. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle below the lungs that helps you breathe. Many hiatus hernias cause no symptoms, and others cause reflux or heartburn, which can often be managed with medication. Surgery is only needed in some cases.
Hernia Repair Surgery
A hernia will not heal on its own in adults, and surgery is the only way to repair it. Not every hernia needs an operation straight away. Some small hernias that cause no symptoms can be monitored, while hernias that are painful, growing, or at higher risk of complications are usually repaired. A hernia that is painful and cannot be pushed back needs urgent assessment.
Hernias can be repaired with open surgery through a single cut, or with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery through several small cuts. There are also two main ways to strengthen the repair. In a suture repair, the weakened muscle is stitched back together. In a mesh repair, a piece of medical mesh is placed over or behind the weak area to reinforce it. For most groin hernias, mesh repair lowers the chance of the hernia coming back compared with suture repair alone, and it is now the most common approach.
Dr Gault performs both open and laparoscopic hernia repairs at Pindara Private Hospital, Benowa, and will explain which approach suits your hernia and your health.
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions About Hernia Repair
What are the signs of a hernia?
The most common sign is a lump or bulge, often in the groin or near the belly button, that may get bigger when you stand, cough or strain and disappear when you lie down. Some people also feel an ache, heaviness or discomfort, especially when lifting or bending.
When is a hernia an emergency?
Go to your nearest emergency department or call 000 if your hernia becomes suddenly painful, firm or tender and cannot be pushed back, if the skin over it turns red or dark, or if you have vomiting or cannot pass wind or open your bowels. These can be signs of a strangulated hernia, which needs urgent surgery.
Does every hernia need surgery?
Not always straight away. Some small hernias that cause no symptoms can be monitored. Hernias that are painful, getting bigger or at higher risk of complications, such as femoral hernias, are usually repaired. Dr Gault will explain whether surgery is recommended for you.
Will my hernia go away on its own?
In adults, no. Hernias do not heal on their own and often slowly get bigger over time. Surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. In babies, umbilical hernias often close on their own in early childhood.
Will my repair be keyhole or open?
Dr Gault performs both open and laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repairs. The best approach depends on the type and size of your hernia, whether you have hernias on both sides, whether it has come back after a previous repair, and your general health. Dr Gault will explain his recommendation.
Is mesh used, and is it safe?
Mesh is commonly used to reinforce hernia repairs, and for most groin hernias it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Like any surgery, mesh repair carries risks, including infection and ongoing pain. The concerns about pelvic mesh in Australia relate to mesh used in the vagina for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, which is a different use. Dr Gault will discuss whether mesh is recommended for you and the risks involved.
What is recovery like?
Many hernia repairs are done as day surgery or with a short hospital stay. You will usually be encouraged to walk and do light activities soon after surgery, and to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Recovery varies depending on the type of repair and your health, and Dr Gault will give you advice for your own recovery.
Can a hernia come back after repair?
Yes, a hernia can come back after repair, although using mesh lowers this risk for most groin hernias. Keeping to a healthy weight, not smoking and following your recovery advice about lifting can also help.
What are the risks of hernia surgery?
Like any surgery, hernia repair carries risks. These can include infection, bleeding or bruising, fluid collecting under the wound (seroma), ongoing pain in the groin or wound area, the hernia coming back, difficulty passing urine for a short time after groin surgery and, rarely, injury to nearby structures. There are also risks associated with the anaesthetic. Dr Gault will explain the risks that apply to you before surgery.
How much does hernia surgery cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of hernia and repair, the hospital and your level of health insurance cover. Please contact our rooms on (07) 5539 3999 to discuss the likely costs for your situation. You may also wish to check with your private health fund about your cover and any excess.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book by calling (07) 5539 3999 or by sending a message through the Quick Enquiry form on this page. A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is needed to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. Our rooms are at Suite 11, Pindara Place, 13 Carrara Street, Benowa QLD 4217.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.