Our Summary

This research paper studied how patients felt after having surgery to repair incisional hernias (a type of hernia that happens at the site of a past surgical scar). The researchers talked to 210 patients who had this surgery and asked them about their experience. They found that most patients had the surgery because of a noticeable bulge, though some also reported pain or discomfort.

Three years after the surgery, about 63% of patients said they felt better overall. However, the same percentage also reported still having some symptoms, like discomfort, pain, or a bulge. About 20% said they felt the same as before the surgery, and 17% felt worse. Interestingly, 10% of patients said that if they could go back, they wouldn’t choose to have the surgery at all.

The researchers concluded that while the surgery does help some people, it’s important for doctors to talk to patients about what they can realistically expect after the surgery. This can help patients make better decisions about whether or not to have the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What were the main reasons patients chose to have incisional hernia repair surgery?
  2. What percentage of patients reported feeling better three years after the incisional hernia repair surgery?
  3. What did the researchers recommend for doctors to discuss with patients considering incisional hernia repair surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. While surgery can help improve symptoms for many patients, it may not completely eliminate all symptoms or discomfort. It’s important to have open and honest discussions with your doctor about what to expect after the surgery, so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure. Additionally, following your doctor’s post-operative instructions and participating in a rehabilitation program can help improve your recovery and overall outcome.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended hernia repair are those who are experiencing symptoms such as a noticeable bulge, pain, or discomfort at the site of the hernia. In some cases, hernias can be dangerous if left untreated, so surgery may be recommended to prevent complications. However, as demonstrated in the research paper mentioned above, it is important for healthcare providers to have a detailed discussion with patients about the potential outcomes and risks of surgery, as well as what they can expect in terms of recovery and symptom improvement. This can help patients make informed decisions about whether or not to proceed with hernia repair.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  • Patient notices a bulge or experiences pain/discomfort at the site of the hernia
  • Patient consults with a doctor to discuss treatment options
  • Doctor recommends hernia repair surgery as the best treatment option
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery

After hernia repair:

  • Patient undergoes hernia repair surgery
  • Recovery period, including pain management and restrictions on activities
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any complications
  • Long-term follow-up to assess the success of the surgery and any lingering symptoms
  • Patients may experience improved symptoms, continued symptoms, or new symptoms post-surgery
  • Some patients may regret their decision to have surgery if they do not experience the desired outcome

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after hernia repair surgery involves consultation with a doctor, surgery, recovery, and long-term follow-up to monitor symptoms and assess the success of the procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hernia repair include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hernia repair surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What type of hernia repair surgery do you recommend for my specific case and why?
  4. Will I need to have any additional tests or consultations before the surgery?
  5. How successful is hernia repair surgery in relieving symptoms and preventing recurrence?
  6. What are the alternative treatment options available to me besides surgery?
  7. How soon after the surgery can I return to my normal activities, such as work or exercise?
  8. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a special diet after the surgery?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information or resources to help me make an informed decision about proceeding with hernia repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: van Veenendaal N, Poelman MM, van den Heuvel B, Dwars BJ, Schreurs WH, Stoot JHMB, Bonjer HJ. Journal: Hernia. 2021 Dec;25(6):1677-1684. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02477-7. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34338938