Hernia Repair Right After C-section?

Question

I am pregnant with my 3rd child, which will be a repeat c-section. I already had 2 c-sections with my other two children before. I have developed Crohn's and had surgery to remove 2 feet of small intestine back in 2002. Then within a year, I developed an umbilical hernia which has just gotten worse and worse (no insurance).
Now, my ob-gyn has referred me to general surgery to see if they will repair the hernia when I have my c-section. I am very fearful that the bigger I get with this pregnancy, the worse it's going to be. I am all for it, but what do you think? Is it a good idea? Do you have any suggestions? Thank you so much.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I would consider first seeking the advice of the general surgeon. If the hernia is exposed in the course of an uncomplicated c-section, it may be convienient to perform a combined procedure.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the possibility of hernia repair right after your C-section. Given your history of multiple C-sections, Crohn's disease, and an umbilical hernia that has worsened, I understand your concerns as your pregnancy progresses.

It’s actually quite common for umbilical hernias to worsen during pregnancy, as the growing uterus puts more pressure on the abdominal wall. Performing a hernia repair at the same time as a C-section can be a convenient option in some cases, as it avoids a separate surgery later on. However, there are several factors to consider:

Combination Surgery: Repairing the hernia at the same time as your C-section could be beneficial, as it minimizes the need for two separate recovery periods. Many surgeons perform hernia repairs during C-sections if the patient’s condition allows it. However, the decision depends on factors like the size and severity of the hernia, your overall health, and whether the repair would complicate your C-section.

Increased Risk: There are some potential risks to consider. The post-pregnancy healing process, combined with the hernia repair, could make your recovery a bit more challenging. Additionally, the risk of complications might be higher when combining the two procedures, so it’s crucial that both your ob-gyn and general surgeon are comfortable with the plan and can coordinate accordingly.

Long-Term Relief: Repairing the hernia during your C-section could prevent the hernia from getting worse, especially as pregnancy is likely causing additional strain on the area. If left untreated, the hernia could lead to more discomfort or even complications, such as strangulation of the intestines.

It sounds like you’re on the right track by consulting with both your ob-gyn and a general surgeon. I recommend having a detailed discussion with both about your surgical options, potential risks, and how best to proceed. If both your doctors are confident in managing the hernia repair during your C-section, it could be a good option to avoid future complications.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

I see no harm doing a hernia repair at the same time of C-section.  However, having said that, you do have a slightly higher rate of recurrence (hernia coming back).  I think it is an acceptable rate and since you are already numb and it adds very little time to the surgery, it is feasible to have it done at the same time.
Good luck.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

I see many women who develop umbilical hernias around the time of their pregnancy. Umbilical hernias can get larger during pregnancy as the abodmen enlarges, but they rarely pose a problem. The abdominal tissues get very swollen and are not entirely normal immediately after delivery. For that reason alone, I feel that repair of the hernia should be done about 4-6 months after the C-section (not at the same time), once you are down to your normal weight. If you have your hernia repaired at the time of C-section, you run a higher risk of the hernia recurring.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

In my opinion, a pregnant woman's tissues are not "normal" - they are swollen and do not handle nor behave the same way as they would a few months down the road when you returned to normal. So unless we were dealing with an urgent situation, I would advise caution and waiting for better times. However, I would defer this decision to the surgeon who would be doing the hernia repair.
I think several factors need to be considered here, in addition to the impact on the mother's interaction with the baby, potential complications and increased recovery: The severity of the hernia (including likelihood of INCARCERATION / STRANGULATION (its being caught up in the hole and not being able to fall back in the tummy) which would guide the decision of being able to wait on the repair until a safer time AND the potential use of anti-inflammatory immune system modulating medications which MAY interfere with wound healing (which I am guessing is not the cause because of the pregnancy)
Good Luck.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

You should seek the adivise of a general surgeon. It seems completely readonable to do an umbilical hernia repair at the same time as the C-section as long as there are no complications at the time. I suspect that the tissues would be so loose during the healing that the chance of recurrence may even be less.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

C-section is usually not the time to undergo elective procedures, at least not for body-contouring procedures. If the main goal is to repair a true hernia without regard to contour, it might be possible to do this from an intra-abdominal approach as the general surgeon might do for a laparoscopic repair of an inguinal hernia. However, since your tissues and body will be changing drastically as you lose weight and your muscles separate or recover, I wouldn't have any expectations from a contouring point of view.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Depending on the circumstances at the time of the c-section and depending on the advice of your general surgeon, it might be reasonable to repair it at that time. Certainly as the tissues shrink, there will be no tension on the repair.

Hernia Repair Right After C-section?

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (8)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Cost of Tummy Tuck in Houston, Texas?

Chances of Complications from Smoking a Month Before Tummy Tuck and Lipo?

Can a Person Get Fluid in the Lungs After a Tummy Tuck?

Can a 16-year-old Be a Candidate for Tummy Tuck?

Will a Tummy Tuck Reveal Six Pack Abs?

Can I get a vertical incision abdominoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS