Do I have an abdominal hernia?

Abdominal Hernia Question...?

• My 47 year old husband has a rather large abdominal hernia stemming from a prior surgery (colostomy reversal) 2 years ago. A hernia was corrected at that time, but came back 1-1/2 years ago and is about the size of a soft ball. He came down recently with a stomach virus which caused him vomiting and during that, pushed his small intestines through the hernia and 'choked' them off. As a quick fix, doctors at the ER manipulated them back into place but he's wearing a binder to keep them in place. When he removes the binder to shower, his bowels try to come through again. He has an appointment with the surgeon Dec 18th to schedule his surgery. What kind of recovery time is he looking at and discomfort can he expect? He's very active (right now he's trying to be very inactive) and works physically hard normally.

• Answer:

  It is rare, but possible, that complications may occur from the surgery for Inguinal / Femoral hernia. There are two types of inguinal hernia. A direct hernia occurs when the intestine passes through the muscle layers of the abdominal wall into the groin. An indirect hernia occurs when the intestine passes through the groin and descends into the scrotum. An incarcerated hernia can lead to a strangulated intestine, which can result in gangrene, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. In rare cases, inguinal hernia repair can damage structures involved in the function of a man's testicles. Another risk of hernia surgery is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness in the groin area. However, the outcome from the hernia surgery is usually good with treatment. Recurrence is rare. Your husband should avoid heavy lifting or straining for several weeks - usually 6 to 8 - after surgery. Such activity can disrupt the hernia repair. Avoid bathing for at least 5 days after the operation. Soaking may separate the skin tapes and the wound could break open. The wound tapes should be carefully patted dry after showering. I add two links with details of this subject http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/ fact_sheets/html/inguinal _hernia.html http://www.surgerydoor.co.uk/ so/detail2.asp?level2=hernia% 20repair%20-%20inguinal Hope this helps matador 89