How to Talk to a Hernia Surgeon

The discovery of a bulge or pain with straining and heavy lifting are indicators that a hernia may be present. These symptoms are usually the initial warning to talk to a hernia surgeon. A hernia (also called an enterocele) is the bulging of part of an internal organ through an area of weak muscle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Discuss the Need for Hernia Surgery

1. Tell your doctor about any previous surgeries that have compromised the integrity of the abdominal wall. A hernia can develop along an incision.
2. Discuss your fears or concerns about having hernia surgery. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of surgical intervention based on your specific hernia type.
3. Ask about the recovery time. The majority of patients can return to normal activities in only a few days.
4. Talk to a hernia surgeon about his experience with hernia surgery. Find out how many similar procedures he does monthly or yearly.
5. Inquire about the surgeon's experience with the nursing staff where the procedure will be done. Ask her if the staff provides good follow-up care for her patients who have hernia repair.
6. Talk to your doctor about the options if the procedure is not done at this time.
7. Inquire about the kind of anesthesia that will be used for the hernia repair. Ask if a general anesthesia will be necessary, or if the procedure can be performed using a regional or local anesthesia.
8. Discuss the length of hospitalization required for the hernia repair. Can it be done as an outpatient, or will hospital admission be needed?

Understand Hernia Symptoms and Treatment

9. Report any noticeable protrusion in the abdomen or groin area to your doctor. The most common area for developing a hernia is the groin. Tell the surgeon when the bulge was noticed and if it is accompanied by pain on exertion.
10. Talk to a hernia surgeon when you have pain in the abdomen or groin area upon lifting heavy objects. There may not be a bulge, but pain can indicate an internal hernia.
11. Realize the options for hernia repair are open repair (performed through a surgical opening through the skin) or by a laparoscopic procedure (done through a tiny incision with the use of a laproscope). Ask your doctor which will be the best option for you.

Tips & Warnings

• A hernia surgeon is the only one who can determine if a hernia should be surgically repaired. Talking to a surgeon doesn't always mean that surgery will happen.
• Some insurance policies determine if the procedure is covered as an outpatient only or if a hospital admission is allowed.