A hernia surgeon is a specialist in the repair of hernias. These surgeons begin their careers as general surgeons before specializing in hernia repair. Many surgeons can perform laparoscopic surgery, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen to allow precision surgical instruments and cameras to be inserted. Patients who receive hernia treatment from a hernia surgeon benefit from a high level of competency and care, which can improve their prognosis.
When the abdominal wall weakens, the contents of the abdomen can protrude through it, causing hernias. Herniation of the intestines is the most common type of herniation, and it can be extremely dangerous for a patient. The herniated tissue can die, resulting in infection, and it can also obstruct the digestive process. Hernias can affect people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of activities, including spontaneous occurrences.
When a patient is diagnosed with a hernia and referred to a hernia surgeon, the surgeon meets with the patient to discuss the situation and treatment options. A temporary treatment may be used to keep the hernia in place until surgery is available. During hernia repair surgery, the surgeon examines the herniated tissue for health, then pushes it back into the abdomen and repairs the herniation site so that the tissue does not protrude again. Traditionally, this is accomplished by putting in a mesh that reinforces the abdominal wall.
A hernia surgeon may need to excise some of the herniated tissue if it is damaged. If a loop of intestines became trapped and necrosed, the hernia surgeon would remove the dead tissue and reconnect the intestines above and below the removal site. This may force the surgeon to convert a laparoscopic procedure to an open surgery in order to gain more visibility and maneuverability. These procedures may also result in specific post-operative instructions for the patient to allow the intestines to heal.
Following surgery, the hernia surgeon informs the patient about the procedure and follows up with checkups at various intervals to ensure that the hernia repair was successful. The surgeon may need to remove stitches after the procedure or use absorbable stitches that dissolve naturally over time. Aftercare recommendations are also given to the patient so that he or she understands how to care for the surgical site and when it is safe to resume activities like exercising and heavy lifting.