Hernia repair

According to Mayo Clinic, hernias that are painful or getting bigger usually need surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications, such as incarceration or strangulation of the trapped tissue. If your hernia is small and not causing problems, your doctor may first recommend watchful waiting.

If you notice a bulge in your groin, discomfort when coughing, bending over or lifting, or a feeling of pressure or burning in the area, you may be a candidate for repair. At Healthcare by the Sea we evaluate every case individually — the decision to operate and the most suitable technique are defined with you during a personalized consultation with our board-certified specialists.

Mayo Clinic describes two general types of hernia repair. In open repair, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin, pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and reinforces the weakened area, often with a synthetic mesh; it can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia.

In minimally invasive repair (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted), the surgeon works through several small incisions in the abdomen, guided by a tiny camera, and places the mesh using fine instruments. Most patients who have this approach experience less postoperative discomfort, smaller scars and a quicker return to their usual activities.

In most cases, both techniques are performed on an outpatient basis at our modern facilities. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate option based on the size and location of the hernia, your surgical history and your overall health.

Before the procedure you will have a preoperative evaluation, which may include a physical exam and basic tests. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take; some, such as blood thinners, may need to be temporarily adjusted under medical guidance.

You will generally be asked to fast for several hours before anesthesia, wear comfortable clothing and arrange for an adult to drive you home after discharge. If you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta for health tourism, our team walks you through planning your stay and your follow-up appointments.

After surgery you will be encouraged to move about as soon as possible, although, according to Mayo Clinic, it may be several weeks before you fully resume your regular activities. With minimally invasive repair, most patients go home the same day and often return to work and daily routines sooner.

Some discomfort around the surgical site is normal during the first days and is usually managed with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Avoid heavy lifting and follow your specialist's guidance on gradually returning to exercise; the Healthcare by the Sea team follows your recovery closely.

Go to the emergency room if you develop a high fever, heavy bleeding from the incision, pain that gets worse instead of better, persistent nausea or vomiting, or if the surgical area becomes red, swollen or dark, and notify the doctor who performed your procedure as soon as possible.

Medical reference source: Mayo Clinic.