5 Important Questions to ask Your Surgeon Before Hernia Surgery

Think you might’ve experienced a hernia? You’re not alone. Over 80,000 people get them every year, and men are 10 times more likely to experience them than women. Still, anyone can get a hernia, and while surgery isn’t always necessary, this is often the best solution.

If you are dealing with pain, obstruction, or other issues associated with a hernia, it’s probably time to think about surgery. Many people are nervous about the prospect, but if you talk to your surgeon beforehand, you can get all your questions answered.

Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov — and the rest of us here at Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C. — wants you to feel as informed and prepared as possible before any procedure you undergo. We’re committed to positive experiences and healthy recoveries for all our patients, no matter their needs.

When to get hernia surgery

No, surgery isn’t always necessary for those dealing with a hernia. If you’re not currently dealing with symptoms from a hernia — such as pain, pressure, and bulging near the groin area — Dr. Botvinov might ask you to wait for a while and see if the problem worsens.

Still, hernias don’t go away on their own, so surgery will probably be necessary at some point. Incarcerated or strangulated hernias require surgery immediately based on the severity of these conditions. Dr. Botvinov will examine you and determine the state of your hernia before surgery is scheduled.

5 questions to ask your hernia surgeon

Even if you know you will need surgery, it’s still important to have a frank conversation with your surgeon before the procedure occurs. Your surgeon should always offer you considered care before, during, and after your procedure, so ask all the questions below.

1. What will happen during the procedure?

It can be very helpful for you to know everything to expect to happen during the procedure. You will receive local and general anesthesia so you won’t be awake, but it helps clarify what you are experiencing.

There are also multiple ways to repair a hernia, so you must find out which one will be used to treat you. Dr. Botvinov uses an open or minimally invasive approach, like laparoscopy, depending on hernia location to offer the best results without long recovery times. Both techniques can give great results when they are chosen properly and Dr. Botvinov will help you with that.

2. What are the possible complications?

Every surgery comes with risks. For example, any surgery requiring general anesthesia has certain possible side effects, while hernia surgery carries its own risk factors. These risks are minor, but it’s important to be aware of them.

3. How should I prepare for the procedure?

Preparing for hernia surgery involves providing your surgeon with all medications you’re taking and making any alterations suggested before the procedure. It also involves ensuring someone will be available to drive you home afterward.

4. When will I be able to go home?

With minimally invasive procedures, patients can go home the same day but still need someone to drive them home. Some surgeries may require an overnight stay in the hospital, though, which is why you should ask.

5. What will my recovery be like?

You will need at least a few days to recover from laparoscopy, but open surgery may require several weeks for recovery. You will need to follow your doctor’s advice, which will likely include resting, avoiding any heavy lifting, and returning for a follow-up appointment.