A hernia develops when a weak spot in your belly muscles allows a piece of your intestines or the tissue around them to poke through. This can lead to a bulge in the area. It can also cause pain, but there is a good chance you may not feel anything.

It is worth mentioning that the hernia may also be in your groin area or your belly button. When this is the case, your medical practitioner will need to make some very small cuts and use a thin, lighted scope and small tools. This is what we commonly refer to as laparoscopic surgery.

There is also the option of fixing a hernia through once incision made near it. This is called open surgery. In either type of hernia surgery, if your hernia is bulging, the bulge needs to be pushed back into place. Your surgeon then sews the healthy tissue back together. Often, a special patch is used to support the weak spot.

One thing you should always remember is that laparoscopic hernia surgery leaves a few small scars while the open surgery will leave a longer scar. Fret not, though, since the scars will eventually fade with time. Either way, you may be required to take 1-2 weeks off from work after the hernia surgery. Of course, this depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

There’s no escaping the sheer fact that surgery can be stressful. In this regard, ample preparation is essential for things to work out as planned. As a good starting point, always ensure you understand precisely what surgery is planned, together with the risks involved, benefits, and other options.

Preparation doesn’t end with that since you need to notify your doctor regarding all the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you may be taking before going under the knife. Of course, that’s easily understandable since some may increase the risk of problems during your hernia surgery.

Always ensure your doctor and the hospital in general have a copy of your advance directive. If you lack one, you may want to have it prepared. After all, it allows others to have a clear insight of your health care wishes. Last but not least, ensure you have someone to take you home after the hernia surgery. Remember, anesthesia and pain medicine make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.