Understanding Recurrent Hernias: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
A hernia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and a recurring hernia all the more discouraging. However, with modern surgical advancements, effective and lasting treatment is possible. When it comes to
treating hernias, especially recurrent ones, it's essential to seek out a skilled and compassionate surgeon.
At the
Center for Hernia Repair, you’ll find expert care focused on accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options. But first, let’s discuss what a recurrent hernia is, symptoms to look for, and risk factors that may cause them.
What is a Recurrent Hernia
Hernias can be a frustrating and painful experience, especially when they recur.
A recurrent hernia refers to a hernia that reappears after a previous surgical repair in the same area.
These recurrences can happen with both incisional hernias-which occur at the site of a prior surgical incision-and inguinal hernias, which develop in the groin region.
What Causes Recurrent Hernias?
Poor Tissue Quality: Some individuals may have weaker tissue that does not hold sutures well.
Strain on the surgical site: Obesity, heavy lifting, or chronic coughing can increase pressure on the repaired area, leading to failure.
Previous surgical technique: In some cases, the initial repair may not have been ideal for long-term success, particularly if mesh was not used or positioned correctly.
In many cases the previous hernia surgery technique emphasized a lower risk of complications but with a known and expected higher risk of recurrence.Risk Factors for developing a hernia recurrence
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a hernia recurrence, including:
- Obesity: Extra body weight puts strain on the abdominal wall.
- Smoking: Impairs healing and increases infection risk.
- Chronic coughing: Adds pressure to the surgical site.
- Heavy lifting: Can weaken the repaired area if done too soon.
- Infection: Weakens the hernia repair and increases recurrence risk.
By addressing these risk factors, patients can reduce their chances of experiencing a recurrent hernia.
Signs and Symptoms of a Recurrent Hernia
A recurrent hernia may present with symptoms similar to those of the initial hernia.
Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Some individuals may notice a bulge at the site of the original hernia repair, while others may have no bulge or swelling.
Many patients experience discomfort or pain in the area of their recurrent Hernia. Many patients experience no discomfort at all.
The range of symptoms can include:
No symptoms at all
A bulge that appears when standing or straining
Mild to severe pain, especially during physical activity
Localized tenderness or discomfortAccurately Diagnosing Recurrent Hernias
Physical examination is typically the most valuable and reliable for making a diagnosis of recurrent hernia.
The history of a bulge in the area of the previous hernia operation is highly suggestive of a recurrent hernia.
Imaging such as CT scan and Ultrasound are sometimes necessary to help or make the diagnosis. Imaging is also often needed for surgical planning purposes.
A surgeon specializing in hernia repair will help in making the diagnosis and offering appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Options for Recurrent Hernias
In a small percentage of cases, the recurrent hernia may be managed with observation only and no surgery.
Observation sometimes referred to as “watchful waiting” may be possible in patients that have a high risk of complications from surgery due to age or other factors.
The treatment of a recurrent hernia is surgical with a wide range of options:
- Open repair involves exposing the hernia through an open incision.
- Robotic repair is the most common technique used among experienced hernia specialists for the management of recurrent hernias. The robotic technique allows for smaller incisions but also for significantly improved visibility. In many cases, robotic repair is a safer approach than other techniques.
- Laparoscopic hernia surgery for recurrent hernias is less frequently utilized given the newer Robotic technology,
- The Intuitive DaVinci Robotic system used for repair of recurrent hernias has
- Optics and accuracy that is far superior to laparoscopic for repair of recurrent hernias.
