Hernia surgery is a common procedure in which a surgeon aims to treat a person’s hernia by correcting the underlying problem.

The surgery can be relatively straightforward, but as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications for certain people. In this article, we will look at who is most at risk of complications from hernia surgery.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weakened area in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Hernias can develop in different parts of the body, but most commonly occur in the abdomen.

Some common types of hernias include:.

Hiatal hernia – occurs when the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
Inguinal hernia – occurs when part of the intestine or bladder protrudes through a weakened or torn area in the abdominal wall into the groin area.
Incisional hernia – occurs when tissue protrudes through a previous surgical incision.
Femoral hernia – occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the wall of the femoral canal and enters the upper thigh.

Hernia Surgery

The primary goal of hernia surgery is to repair the weakened or torn muscle or tissue in the abdominal wall that caused the hernia. There are different types of hernia surgeries that a surgeon can perform, including:.

Open hernia repair – involves making an incision near the hernia and pushing the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. The surgeon then strengthens the muscle or tissue to prevent the hernia from recurring.
Laparoscopic hernia repair – involves making several small incisions and using a laparoscope and other specialized surgical instruments to repair the hernia.

Complications of Hernia Surgery

While hernia surgery is generally safe and has a high success rate, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure. The following are some of the most common complications associated with hernia surgery:.

1. Infection

An infection can occur at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity after surgery. Symptoms of an infection may include fever, redness and swelling around the incision site, and drainage from the site.

2. Adverse reaction to anesthesia

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia used during the surgery. Symptoms of an adverse reaction may include difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the tongue or lips.

3. Bleeding

Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery. In rare cases, severe bleeding may require a transfusion or additional surgery.

4. Chronic pain

Some people may experience chronic pain after hernia surgery. This pain can occur at the site of the incision or in the abdomen.

5. Recurrence of the hernia

In some cases, a hernia may recur after surgery. This can happen if the surgery did not completely repair the weakened area in the abdominal wall that caused the hernia.

Who is Most at Risk of Complications from Hernia Surgery?

While anyone can experience complications from hernia surgery, some people may be at a higher risk than others. The following are some factors that may increase a person’s risk of complications:.

1. Age

Older adults may be at a higher risk of complications from hernia surgery due to age-related changes in the body. These changes can affect the way the body reacts to anesthesia and increases the risk of infection and bleeding.

2. Obesity

Obesity puts extra stress on the body and can increase the risk of complications from hernia surgery. Obese individuals may have a higher risk of developing an infection and may also have difficulty healing after surgery.

3. Smoking

Smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal after surgery and increases the risk of complications such as infection and bleeding. Smokers may also have a higher risk of chronic pain after hernia surgery.

4. Chronic disease

Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease may be at a higher risk of complications from hernia surgery. These diseases can affect circulation, wound healing, and the body’s ability to fight infection.

Conclusion

Hernia surgery is a common medical procedure with a high success rate. However, as with any surgery, there are risks of complications associated with the procedure.

While anyone can experience complications, certain factors can increase a person’s risk. If you are considering hernia surgery, be sure to discuss any risk factors with your doctor to help reduce the risk of complications.