Hernia surgery in females is a procedure that repairs an inguinal hernia in women. An inguinal hernia occurs when a weak spot develops in the layer of muscle in the abdominal wall, causing the contents of the abdomen to push through the wall and produce a lump called a hernia. The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis and can be performed using either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
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Open Hernia Repair: In open hernia repair, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin to view and repair the hernia. After repairing the hernia, the surgeon uses stitches alone or stitches and a piece of mesh to close the abdominal wall. The mesh is designed to strengthen the weak area of the abdominal wall where the hernia occurred.
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Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: Laparoscopic surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The surgeon makes several small incisions in the lower abdomen and inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube with a lighted camera on the end, to look inside the surgical site. The laparoscope goes in one small hole and long, thin surgical tools go through another. The surgeon typically uses a piece of mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall.
The benefits of hernia surgery in females include no longer having the hernia and preventing the serious complications that a hernia can cause, allowing the patient to return to normal activities.
