Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Anchorage, AK

An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissues or a part of the small intestine pushes through a weak area or a defect in your lower abdominal wall. At Far North Surgery, Dr. Madhu Prasad – a general surgeon in Anchorage, AK - and his team have years of experience in treating inguinal hernias with successful outcomes.

Open Inguinal Hernia Repairs (Groin Hernia)

An open inguinal hernia repair surgery is considered for complex cases, where laparoscopic repairs aren’t possible or advised by the surgeon. It is performed after giving anesthesia to the patient. The surgeon makes a single large incision in the groin. The hernia is separated from the surrounding tissues and pushed back into your abdomen, or the hernia sac is removed. If the hernia is on both sides, the surgeon has to make a second incision.

Later, the surgeon repairs the weak spot in the muscle wall by sewing it with the edges of healthy muscle. The surgeon stitches the weakened abdominal muscles with a piece of mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall. The cut is then stitched closed. However, this method is suitable only for smaller hernias or indirect hernias. The surgeon analyzes the hernia condition during preoperative tests, and later opts for the surgical approach depending on the area of the muscle wall to be repaired. Mesh patches of synthetic materials are widely used for hernia repairs.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repairs

In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, the patient is given general anesthesia. The surgeon makes three half-inch small incisions, each in the lower part of the abdomen. One of these incisions is used to insert a laparoscope camera, while the other two are used to insert tools that help the surgeon throughout the surgical procedure.

The abdomen is then inflated with air so that the surgeon can see the hernia and surrounding tissues on a monitor. The surgeon then repairs the hernia from behind the abdominal wall, and a small mesh is placed over the hernia defect. Later, the laparoscope camera and other instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed. A laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is better than an open procedure as it requires small incisions rather than a single large cut.

Causes of Inguinal Hernia

The main cause of inguinal hernias is not known; however, they could be caused due to weak spots in the abdominal wall. Weaknesses can be the result of birth defects or other defects formed later on. Other risk factors include:

• Fluid or pressure in the abdomen
• Repetitive straining during urination or bowel movements
• Heavy lifting, such as weight lifting
• Chronic cough
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• History of hernias

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

There may not be any symptoms if the inguinal hernia is small. The most common symptoms of an inguinal hernia are:

• A bulge and pain in the groin area
• Feel pressure or weakness in the groin area
• Aching in the groin area when bending, lifting, or coughing
• Swelling around the testicles (in men)

When Do You Need Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

Surgery is not required when your inguinal hernia is not causing any problems. However, most inguinal hernias become larger and uncomfortable over time. Your doctor may recommend inguinal hernia surgery if:

• Your inguinal hernia becomes larger
• Pain increases
• There is difficulty in performing daily activities

The inguinal hernia becomes dangerous when your intestine is twisted or trapped. In that case, you may have:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Darkening of the bulge
• Increased heart rate
• Inability to push the hernia back into the abdomen which was previously possible.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately as it requires emergency surgery.

How Is Inguinal Hernia Surgery Performed?

Inguinal hernia is repaired with open or laparoscopic surgery. Your surgeon will decide which surgery is right depending on the condition of your hernia.

• In open inguinal hernia surgery, your surgeon makes a large cut near the hernia. The hernia is separated from the surrounding tissues and pushed back into your abdomen, or the hernia sac is removed. The surgeon stitches the weakened abdominal muscles with a piece of mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall. The cut is then stitched closed.
• In laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery, the surgeon makes 3-5 small incisions in your lower abdomen. A laparoscope and other tools are inserted through the cuts and help the surgeon throughout the surgical procedure. The same repair that happens in open surgery is done.

Why Choose Us for Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

At Far North Surgery, our team is highly trained and well-qualified to perform inguinal hernia surgeries. We use advanced technology and the latest surgical procedures to ensure better outcomes and shorter recovery times. Call us at 907-276-3676 to get the best treatment option for Inguinal Hernia, or answers to any questions you may have. You can also fill out our 1-minute contact form here.