A hernia can be a painful issue. Depending on where the hernia is and what tissue is at risk, it can also be dangerous. A hernia happens when there is a tear in the muscles or the connective tissue or fascia. Organs or fatty tissue gets squeezed through the hole, causing damage to the organ, tissue, and muscle. The longer the hernia is in place, the worse it can get, which can cause further health issues. For example, a person's intestines can be sucked down through a hernia, and if they are stuck there for too long, the intestines can start to die, leaving the person at risk for several infections. If you have a hernia, you need to talk to a doctor about what you need to do to get it repaired as soon as possible. Your doctor can choose to use different methods to repair your hernia. 

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic hernia repair is minimally invasive. Instead of creating a long incision, the surgeon will make a few small incisions in the abdomen through which they can feed tools and a camera. Using those tools, the doctor can make sure that there is no tissue protruding through the hernia and then sew up the hernia. The doctor will likely also add a mesh to the repair area since it will strengthen that particular area. Once there is a weakness, there will always be a weakness, and if the doctor didn't put in the mesh, the hernia would be at risk of forming again. Laparoscopic surgery tends to have a shorter recovery time and less post-surgery pain. Depending on your hernia, you may be a good candidate for this surgery. 

Open Hernia Surgery

Open hernia surgery goes through the groin. It also involves a larger incision. The doctor needs to open up the area so that they can get a good view of the area. Once the hernia is visible, the surgeon can push the tissue back to where it belongs, sew up the defect, and reinforce it. You may have a more extended recovery period depending on where exactly in your groin the hernia is. 

If you have a hernia, you need to make sure that you see a surgeon to get it repaired as quickly as you can. Getting it repaired quickly will make you feel less pain and lower your risk for some additional health issues. Your surgeon can tell you what surgical option they think will work best for you. 

Contact a surgeon to learn more about the options for hernia repair surgery.