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Surgical
Precision
Repair abdominal hernias with advanced techniques at Liv Hospital. Our general surgeons ensure safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedures for lasting relief. This gallery reflects not just correction, but the care, skill, and precision behind every surgical outcome.
What is a hernia and why does it require surgery?
01
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Surgery is required when hernias cause pain, grow larger, or risk complications like strangulation where blood supply is cut off to trapped tissue.
Without surgical repair, hernias don't heal on their own and typically worsen over time. Surgery reinforces the weakened area with mesh or sutures to prevent recurrence. Emergency surgery may be needed if intestine becomes trapped.
What are the different types of hernia surgeries available?
02
The main approaches are open repair (traditional incision), laparoscopic (minimally invasive with small incisions and camera), and robotic-assisted surgery. Hernia types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), incisional (previous surgery site), and hiatal (upper stomach).
Mesh reinforcement is used in most repairs to strengthen the area. Tension-free repairs using mesh have significantly lower recurrence rates compared to suture-only repairs. Choice depends on hernia size, location, and patient factors.
How do I know if I need hernia surgery?
03
Consider surgery if you experience persistent pain, discomfort during activities, visible bulge that enlarges, or inability to push the hernia back in. Progressive symptoms indicate surgery should not be delayed.
Emergency symptoms requiring immediate attention include sudden severe pain, nausea/vomiting, fever, or hernia discoloration. Asymptomatic hernias may be monitored but typically require eventual repair.
What is laparoscopic hernia repair?
04
Laparoscopic repair uses several small incisions (5-10mm) rather than one large opening. A camera and specialized instruments are inserted to view and repair the hernia from inside the abdominal cavity.
Benefits include less postoperative pain, faster recovery, reduced infection risk, and smaller scars. Mesh is placed behind the hernia defect. This approach is ideal for bilateral hernias and recurrent cases.
What should I expect during recovery from hernia surgery?
05
Initial recovery takes 1-2 weeks with restricted lifting (nothing >10lbs). Most return to desk work within 1 week. Full recovery takes 4-6 weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal. Pain is managed with medications.
Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks. Follow wound care instructions carefully. Report fever, increasing pain, redness or drainage from incisions.
What are the risks associated with hernia surgery?
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Potential complications include infection, bleeding, chronic pain, nerve injury, urinary retention, and recurrence. Mesh-related issues include migration, shrinkage, or adhesion formation.
Serious but rare complications include bowel/bladder injury and testicular issues in men. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, and previous surgeries. Choosing an experienced surgeon minimizes risks.
How effective is hernia surgery?
07
Modern hernia repairs have success rates of 90-99%. Mesh repairs have recurrence rates under 5% versus 10-15% for non-mesh repairs. Effectiveness depends on hernia size, surgical technique, and patient factors.
Most patients experience significant symptom relief. Success rates are higher with experienced surgeons using appropriate techniques. Long-term studies show good durability of modern repairs.
What type of anesthesia is used for hernia surgery?
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Options include general anesthesia (complete unconsciousness), spinal/epidural (numbness below waist), or local anesthesia with sedation. Laparoscopic procedures typically require general anesthesia.
Choice depends on hernia complexity, patient health, and surgeon preference. Anesthesiologists evaluate patients preoperatively to determine safest approach. Most outpatient hernia surgeries use general anesthesia.
How long does hernia surgery take?
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Simple open repairs take 30-45 minutes. Laparoscopic repairs take 45-90 minutes. Complex or recurrent hernias may take 2-3 hours. Bilateral repairs add 30-60 minutes to operating time.
Total time at surgical center is 3-5 hours including preparation and recovery. Most patients go home the same day. Overnight stay may be needed for large or complicated repairs.
What is the difference between mesh and non-mesh hernia repair?
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Mesh repair uses synthetic or biological material to reinforce the weakened area, distributing tension. Non-mesh (tissue) repair relies on suturing muscles together under tension.
Mesh repairs have lower recurrence rates (1-5% vs 10-15%) and less postoperative pain. Non-mesh may be preferred in contaminated fields. Most modern repairs use mesh for durability.
Can hernias recur after surgery?
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Yes, recurrence rates range from 1-15% depending on technique and patient factors. Mesh repairs have lower recurrence. Risk factors include infection, smoking, obesity, strenuous activity too soon, and poor surgical technique.
Recurrence usually appears as a new bulge near original site. Most recurrences happen within 3 years. Complex hernias have higher recurrence rates. Revision surgery is often more complicated.
What is robotic hernia surgery?
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Robotic surgery uses a console-controlled system with 3D visualization and wristed instruments that mimic human hand movements. The surgeon operates robotic arms while seated at a console.
Benefits include enhanced precision, flexibility, and access to difficult areas. It's particularly valuable for complex abdominal wall reconstructions. Robotic approaches may reduce pain and speed recovery.
What are the restrictions after hernia surgery?
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No lifting >10lbs for 4-6 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise, straining during bowel movements, and sexual activity for 2-4 weeks. Driving restrictions typically last 1-2 weeks while taking opioids.
Walking is encouraged immediately. Most return to sedentary work in 1-2 weeks. Follow specific restrictions provided by your surgeon. Gradual return to activities over 4-6 weeks.
How painful is hernia surgery recovery?
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Most patients report moderate pain well-controlled by medications. Laparoscopic patients typically have less pain than open surgery patients. Peak pain occurs in first 72 hours then gradually improves.
Pain management includes opioids for 3-5 days, then transitioning to NSAIDs and Tylenol. Nerve blocks during surgery reduce initial pain. Chronic pain occurs in 5-10% of patients.
When can I return to work after hernia surgery?
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Desk jobs: 3-7 days for laparoscopic, 1-2 weeks for open. Light physical work: 2-3 weeks. Heavy labor: 4-8 weeks. Recovery varies by individual and job demands.
Follow your surgeon's specific recommendations. Returning too soon increases recurrence risk. Modified duty may be needed initially. Most patients resume full activities by 6 weeks.
What is an incisional hernia?
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An incisional hernia develops at the site of a previous surgical incision where the abdominal wall has weakened. It appears as a bulge under the skin and can occur months or years after surgery.
Risk factors include wound infection, obesity, multiple surgeries, and poor healing. Repair often requires mesh reinforcement. Complex cases may need abdominal wall reconstruction.
What is a sports hernia?
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Also called athletic pubalgia, this is a soft tissue injury causing chronic groin pain without a visible bulge. It involves torn tendons in the lower abdomen rather than true hernia.
Common in athletes who make sudden directional changes. Treatment includes physical therapy and possibly surgical repair of the torn tissues. Recovery focuses on core strengthening.
How is a hiatal hernia repaired?
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Hiatal hernia repair involves pulling the stomach back into the abdomen and tightening the diaphragm opening. Often combined with fundoplication to prevent reflux. Performed laparoscopically.
Mesh may reinforce large defects. Recovery includes a soft diet for several weeks. Success rates exceed 90% for symptom relief when performed by experienced surgeons.
What is the difference between ventral and inguinal hernia?
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Inguinal hernias occur in the groin area and are more common in men. Ventral hernias occur on the abdominal wall and include umbilical, epigastric, and incisional types.
Repair techniques differ due to location. Inguinal repairs focus on the inguinal canal, while ventral repairs address midline abdominal weakness. Both benefit from mesh reinforcement.
Can hernias be prevented?
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While not all hernias are preventable, you can reduce risk by maintaining healthy weight, proper lifting techniques, avoiding constipation, not smoking, and managing chronic cough.
For incisional hernias, surgeons can use reinforcement techniques during abdominal operations. Core strengthening exercises may help but cannot prevent all hernias due to genetic factors.
What is component separation in complex hernia repair?
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This advanced technique mobilizes abdominal wall layers to reconstruct large defects without tension. Surgeons release internal muscles to create flaps that can be brought together.
Often combined with mesh placement for reinforcement. Used for massive hernias where direct closure is impossible. May be performed open or laparoscopically.
How do I prepare for hernia surgery?
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Preparation includes preoperative testing, medication review, smoking cessation, and weight optimization. Shower with antibacterial soap night before/morning of surgery.
Follow fasting instructions (typically nothing after midnight). Arrange for transportation and post-op help. Prepare recovery area at home with essentials within easy reach.
What are the different types of surgical mesh?
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Synthetic mesh: Polypropylene (most common), polyester, or ePTFE. Biological mesh: Derived from human/animal tissue. Absorbable mesh: Provides temporary support while dissolving.
Mesh comes in various weights and pore sizes. Selection depends on hernia location and contamination risk. Newer lightweight meshes reduce foreign body sensation.
How do I choose a qualified hernia surgeon?
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Look for a board-certified general surgeon with hernia specialization. Consider volume of procedures performed annually. Ask about recurrence rates and complication statistics.
Choose surgeons experienced in multiple techniques (open, laparoscopic, robotic). Hospital affiliation and academic appointments indicate expertise. Patient reviews provide valuable insights.
Dr. Tugan Tezcaner
Specialist - General SurgeryWith nearly two decades of surgical excellence, this expert brings a unique blend of academic leadership and hands-on clinical precision. Trained in Ankara and the U.S., he specializes in minimally invasive gastrointestinal, endocrine, oncologic, and bariatric procedures. His international career spans top institutions in Turkey and the UAE, where he is recognized for delivering advanced surgical oncology and personalized care with scientific depth.
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