What Questions Should I Ask "SPECIFICALLY" to a Surgeon About my Hernia Repair ? (photo)

Question

I have a hernia around my naval. The only surgeon I have seen so far is telling me that I would probably be out of work for 8 - 12 weeks and that I would probably loose my naval because they would have to cut a lot of scar tissue out from a previous surgury. He also told me they would probably have to use mesh and don't want mesh inside of me. I had surgury in 1961 when I was a baby because of intiception and while they was in there they also removed my appendix. I am open to suggestions, HELP

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Looking at your pictures, it does not look like you will loose your navel. It looks like your old surgical scar needs to be used as an access point. You will have decreased chance of a recurrence if a mesh is used. Ask your Doc regarding the use on a biological device like Strattice. I agree with at least a two month recovery of the abdominal region.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

I usually refer these to a general surgeon for correction 6-8 weeks prior to the tummy tuck.  But I think you'll be able to keep your belly button...

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

From my looking at your photos, I am not sure why the navel needs to be removed. It could be lifted off the hernia defect and sutured back down after the repair if it is done at open surgery.

	I would seek another opinion on this one. Ask the surgeon if this can be done with a laparoscope (maybe not with the history of intussuception). Ask about the need for mesh. Mesh is usually used because the chance of recurrence of the hernia is much lower with mesh. Check with you regular doctor to see if he or she knows of a surgeon with special experience and interest in hernia repair. Good luck.

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Find a surgeon who is very comfortable with laparoscopic surgery. Since your original surgery was so long ago it is a very good option to fix it laparoscopically. You will need mesh but ask the surgeon what kind they use: light or ultralight weight mesh is the best. No mesh means higher recurrences and open repair, which you do not want. I have done some of the most complex abdominal wall reconstructions and have not lost a belly button yet. Limited heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks post op is normal. Same day surgery in most people. If it gets converted to open surgery due to too much scar tissue may be 1-2 days stay, but if you are healthy no overnight stay for most.

What Questions Should I Ask "SPECIFICALLY" to a Surgeon About my Hernia Repair ? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Answer: Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

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What Questions Should I Ask "SPECIFICALLY" to a Surgeon About my Hernia Repair ? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Answer: Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Umbilical Hernia Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.