Hernia surgery usually provides a long-lasting solution. However, sometimes, a hernia can return to the same place or nearby, and each time, it’s more difficult to repair than before.
So, does this mean a recurrent hernia is dangerous? Well, it is not typically life-threatening, but it can be painful and may require additional surgery.
What is a Recurrent Hernia?
A recurrent hernia is a hernia that comes back after surgery. This can happen months or even years later. If your hernia comes back, your doctor will probably suggest another surgery.
If you think you might have a recurrent hernia, it’s important to see a doctor who specializes in hernia as soon as possible. They can tell you the best way to treat it.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Recurrent Hernias?
A recurrent hernia is a bulge that can be really painful and appears in the same place or nearby as the original hernia. If the hernia gets worse and your intestines stick out, this can cause serious problems, like:
- Infection.
- Constipation.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of blood to the intestines.
- Mild or very strong pain, especially when you cough, sneeze, or lift heavy things.
What are the Risk Factors for Recurrent Hernias?
A recurrent hernia can happen for many reasons, such as a mistake during surgery, the stitches that hold the belly muscles together becoming weak, or a wound that didn’t heal correctly.
Recurrent hernias can also be caused by things that strain or weaken the belly muscles after the first surgery, such as:
- Being overweight.
- Smoking.
- Having diabetes.
- Taking steroids, chemo, or other medicines that weaken the immune system.
- Lifting heavy things or doing other very hard activities.
How is a Recurrent Hernia Diagnosed?
To diagnose a recurrent hernia, your doctor will look at your symptoms and examine you. They’ll also check your medical history to see what surgeries you’ve had. Now, depending on what kind of hernia they think it is, they may order tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Do Recurrent Hernias Require Surgery?
A recurrent hernia cannot heal on its own and usually needs surgery. If you think your hernia has come back, the first thing you should do is see your doctor, even if you don’t have much pain.
Suppose you don’t treat a recurrent hernia. In that case, it can cause serious problems, like a bowel obstruction that can make you very sick or intestinal strangulation if the trapped part of your intestine doesn’t get enough blood.
What Non-Surgical Measures Can I Take to Prevent Recurrence?
You can do some things to help prevent a hernia from coming back or causing problems. These include:
- Keeping a healthy weight.
- Eating healthy food.
- Not smoking.
- Lifting things and exercising the right way.
- Strengthening your core muscles to keep your stomach wall strong.
In the Final Analysis
Most hernias are not immediately dangerous, but they can be painful and may need surgery. Sometimes, hernias can come back after surgery or appear in a different weak spot in your belly.
If you have a hernia that has come back and you want to talk to an expert, call us at NOVA Bariatrics and General Surgery at (469) 639-0953 and we will make sure to help you.
