Learning you have to have hernia surgery can be discouraging. Many people wonder if the issue might go away on its own, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Still, there are a number of encouraging facts about hernia surgery that are bound to make you less concerned about the process.
Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions offers diagnosis and treatment of several hernia types with minimally invasive surgical techniques. Our provider, Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov, manages multiple types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and femoral — all of which can be treated with surgery.
The first thing that will happen when you visit our clinic for a hernia is a thorough exam. In some cases, Dr. Botvinov might decide to wait rather than schedule your hernia surgery right away after the exam. This is because not all hernias require immediate surgery.
Some people don’t experience symptoms with their hernias. And if you’re not in pain and not struggling, waiting can be easier on the body and the pocketbook. Some hernias never need to be repaired, and only about 10% require emergency surgery.
Hernias happen all the time. The likelihood increases with age (especially for men), but they can happen to anyone. Hernia repair surgeries are also very common, and about 1 million are performed in the U.S. each year. As such, the surgery itself is well-known, as are its typical outcomes.
Risks from hernia surgery are possible, but these are very unlikely to occur in most cases. You’ll be able to discuss these with Dr. Botvinov, who will be able to let you know which — if any — risks you should prepare for.
There are many reasons why laparoscopic surgery is performed for hernias. The benefits are numerous. You’ll experience less pain and scarring because the procedure uses smaller and fewer incisions, leading to faster recovery times. Minimally invasive surgery is also less risky than open surgery, and finally, some patients can save on expenses.
When you use laparoscopic surgery, you’ll likely be surprised at how quickly you’ll recover from the procedure. Most people can start walking around a few hours afterward, and many patients return home the same day. And although a few might require another day in the hospital, hernia repair usually allows patients to return to normal activities within a week.
When emergency surgery is required, it’s usually because of a problem called strangulation, where the hernia begins to block your blood supply. If this happens, you’ll need surgery immediately. However, many people get hernia surgery before this ever occurs.
Hernia surgery is quite often done preventatively to avoid letting the issue become painful or severe. It’s best to discuss the terms of your specific situation with your provider, but it’s helpful to know your surgery can occur before the condition causes any serious concerns.
It’s hard to determine the right time for any one person to seek treatment for a hernia without a thorough medical exam. That’s why we recommend visiting our Westwood, NJ, office to discuss your situation at your earliest convenience.
Call 201-778-5344 to make an appointment, or you can book online whenever you like. We look forward to meeting you and creating a treatment plan that suits your unique needs.
