Name of the Procedure:

Repair recurrent femoral hernia; reducible
Common name(s): Femoral hernia repair, Herniorrhaphy

Summary

This procedure involves repairing a recurrent femoral hernia, a condition where intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weakened area in the lower groin. The hernia is reducible, meaning it can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. The surgery aims to reinforce the weakened area to prevent future occurrences.

Purpose

The procedure addresses the recurrence of a femoral hernia. Its goal is to relieve discomfort, prevent complications such as bowel obstruction or strangulation, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Indications

• Persistent groin pain or discomfort
• Noticeable bulge in the groin or upper thigh
• Repeated hernia recurrence after previous repairs
• Risk of strangulated or obstructed hernia

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery
• Adjusting or stopping certain medications, particularly blood thinners
• Undergoing preoperative tests like blood work, ECG, or imaging studies as advised

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered general anesthesia or regional anesthesia with sedation.
2. Incision: A small incision is made near the groin.
3. Hernia Reduction: The protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
4. Reinforcement: The weakened area is reinforced using surgical mesh or sutures.
5. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.
6. Dressing: Applied to protect the wound.

Duration

Typically 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the hernia and the patient's anatomy.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon specializing in hernia repairs
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Operating room technicians

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the incision site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Recurrence of the hernia
• Nerve damage causing chronic pain or numbness
• Complications related to anesthesia

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Reduced risk of hernia complications like bowel obstruction
• Improved mobility and quality of life
• High success rate with a low chance of recurrence when using mesh reinforcement

Recovery

• Postoperative care instructions including wound care and activity restrictions
• Oral pain medications as prescribed
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring the healing process

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting: Observing the hernia without immediate surgery, appropriate for asymptomatic cases.
• Non-surgical management: Such as wearing a truss to keep the hernia in place, though not a long-term solution.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Minimally invasive technique that may offer quicker recovery but might not be suitable for all patients.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain. Post-surgery, they may experience soreness and mild pain managed with prescribed medications. Discomfort typically lessens within a week. Proactive pain management and adherence to postoperative instructions aid in a smoother recovery.