Prevention

Indirect hernias in children cannot be prevented. To reduce the risk of inguinal hernia as an adult, you can:

• Maintain a normal body weight.

• Exercise regularly to strengthen abdominal muscles.

• Avoid straining while defecating or urinating.

• Avoid lifting heavy objects.

Treatment

Not all hernias need to be treated. However, most hernias that cause symptoms or are becoming larger should be repaired by a surgeon. While awaiting surgery, some patients may wear a device called a truss, which puts pressure on the hernia and keeps it under control. In patients who are poor candidates for surgery because of poor health or advanced age, a truss may be used permanently.

There are two basic types of hernia repair: open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Both usually are done on an outpatient basis and take about one hour to complete.

• Open surgery - About 95% of all inguinal hernias are repaired by open surgery with the patient under general or local anesthesia. After an incision is made in the groin, the surgeon pushes the herniated tissue back into place and repairs the hernia opening with stitches. In many cases, a small piece of synthetic mesh material is used to reinforce the area to prevent another hernia.

• Laparoscopic surgery - In laparoscopic hernia repair, a surgeon makes three small incisions in the abdominal wall, and the abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas. A laparoscope, a tube-like instrument with a small video camera, and surgical instruments are then inserted through the incisions. While viewing a monitor, the surgeon pushes the herniated intestine back into place and repairs the hernia opening with surgical staples. Although this type of surgery seems attractive to many patients, the long-term success rate is lower compared to open surgery. On the other hand, laparoscopic surgery often causes less discomfort, and lets the patient return to usual activities more quickly. If you are interested in laparoscopic surgery, be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor.