Hernia surgery is meant to repair your hernia, but some patients experience subsequent hernias following their procedure.  In this article, we will talk about the possibility of a recurrent hernia and the best steps to take if this happens to you.

The Goal of Hernia Surgery

Hernia surgery is almost always the necessary treatment when you suffer a hernia. The goal of hernia surgery is to repair the defect by returning the abdominal organs to their proper place in the body and closing the opening in the abdominal wall. The patient must adhere to activity restrictions after surgery to ensure success.

Unfortunately, sometimes hernia repair surgery fails to work properly for a variety of reasons. If you do not adhere to your post-op activity restrictions you run the risk of undoing the surgery. There is also a risk of the surgery itself failing or choosing the improper repair technique.  Your chances of this happening are much lower if you choose a general surgeon who has extensive experience with hernia procedures.

Recurring Hernia after Surgery

If you experience another hernia after having a hernia repair, we recommend you contact your doctor or the surgeon who performed the previous surgery to confirm the recurrent hernia diagnosis, and inquire about your options.

You can also take a proactive role in your recovery and work to prevent recurring hernias by following these tips:

• Always listen to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Often you will feel well and it can be tempting to return to heavy lifting and activity after surgery, but this is a sure-fire way to end up right back on the operating table.
• After you’ve recovered, eat well and exercise regularly. Keeping your weight at an appropriate level and strengthening your abdominal wall can help prevent recurrent hernias.
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid weight gain

If you have suffered a hernia, contact a general surgeon specializing in hernia repair to discuss your options. Dr. Mike Koeplin has been performing hernia surgeries in St. Paul and the Twin Cities metro area for over 20 years.