Help! My Growing Lipoma Is Becoming Irritating
The good news about having a lipoma is that it’s usually not cause for concern and doesn’t require treatment. But if you have a lipoma that’s causing problems, here’s what you can do.
4 Important Questions To Ask Your General Surgeon Before Hernia Surgery
A hernia occurs when internal tissue bulges out of position because of a hole or a weakened support structure. And while hernias don’t always require surgery, they don’t go away on their own. In order to get complete healing, hernia repair is required.
Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, of Surgical Associates of North Texas in McKinney, Texas, is an expert in performing hernia surgery. And, he uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible.
In this blog, Dr. deVilleneuve provides some questions you should ask your surgeon before you undergo treatment.
1. Why do I need hernia surgery?
As mentioned above, you can have a hernia that doesn’t require surgery immediately. However, these conditions typically worsen with time, increasing your risk of needing emergency surgery.
Hernias develop when tissue in the body protrudes through another set of tissue into an area where it doesn’t belong. For instance, a portion of the intestine can push through the lower abdominal wall, resulting in an inguinal hernia.
Depending on the size and location of the hernia, they can sometimes resolve temporarily by taking medication or by changing positions. However, hernias can also grow bigger and don’t disappear on their own.
Without medical intervention, they can become more painful and develop complications, such as obstruction, strangulation, and even tissue death. So, before undergoing surgery, make sure to ask about the specifics of your hernia.
2. Do you have much experience with hernia repair?
Hernia surgeries are incredibly common. In fact, surgeons perform approximately 1 million inguinal hernia repairs in the United States each year. However, that doesn’t mean any doctor is up to the task.
Dr. deVilleneuve is a top-ranked general surgeon with advanced skills in numerous treatments. However, he focuses on minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgical approaches, including when it comes to hernia surgery.
Not only is Dr. deVilleneuve skilled in traditional hernia repair techniques, but he’s also an expert in using the latest techniques. On top of that, Dr. deVilleneuve was named one of the Best Doctors in Collin County as a Laparoscopic Hernia Repair expert by D Magazine.
Whenever you need surgery, Dr. deVilleneuve recommends making sure your surgeon has the skills required to provide the best outcome.
3. Which hernia procedure do you recommend?
There are numerous types of hernias and a variety of methods to repair them. As a result, it’s vital to have a candid conversation with your surgeon about their strategy for your surgery.
Dr. deVilleneuve uses minimally invasive techniques to repair hernias whenever possible. With these procedures, he uses special instruments, tiny cameras, and smaller incisions than are used with traditional approaches. This allows him to perform complex repairs in the least traumatic way, which can lead to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and less scarring.
So, ask your surgeon about the repair method they recommend, such as if they recommend using open or laparoscopic hernia surgery.
4. What can I expect for my recovery?
Hernia surgery usually doesn’t cause significant postoperative pain. Unlike other procedures, you should be able to manage your discomfort with medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
However, when it comes to other factors, the recovery process can vary from person to person. For example, some people who undergo hernia repairs can go home the same day, while others can require a short hospital stay. Similarly, not everyone can resume regular activity at the same time.
Your surgeon can provide insight into what you can expect post-surgery based on several factors, such as:
- Your hernia size and location
- The type of repair you need
- Your overall health and age
Most people who undergo hernia repair can typically start engaging in light activity within a few days, but it can take 2-5 weeks to resume regular activity.
Do you have a hernia? Learn about your treatment options by calling 972-525-0245 or by booking an appointment online with Surgical Associates of North Texas today.
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