Hernia surgery prior to pregnancy?

[drtowfigh]

Hernia surgery prior to pregnancy?

Very important question.

My answer to you is not based on any scientific data, because there is none. But it is a very important topic that is a bit difficult to study.

Short answer: most pregnancies have no problems after hernia surgery nor without hernia surgery.

– in my practice, I do not recommend any hernia surgery unless you are symptomatic or it is growing larger, unless you have a femoral (low groin) hernia, which should be repaired regardless.

– for inguinal (groin) hernia, repair prior to pregnancy has generally not caused any problems with pregnancy nor complicated the need for C-section. Pregnancy while still having an inguinal hernia is generally safe, with low risk of complications.

– for umbilical or abdominal wall hernias, I do not recommend repair until after all pregnancies are done unless you are very symptomatic from the hernia. The chance of a complication during pregnancy (from having a hernia) is generally low. If you do have a very symptomatic hernia and it is a small one (2 cm), I recommend no mesh placement. However, if mesh is placed, there is a risk if localized pain as your belly enlarges.

– need for immediate surgery while pregnant is generally safe and can be done without general anesthesia.

[JPaterso]

Hernia surgery prior to pregnancy?

Hi Isabela,
I am certainly no expert, however I can tell you about my experience. I was born with a left inguinal hernia and had it repaired, with a small mesh, at one month of age. I went on later in life to have two children, in my early 20’s with no problems getting pregnant or carrying either pregnancy to term. It was as if I never even had a hernia there. In fact, if my mother had not informed me about the hernia or repair, I would never have known, as there is no scar there or anything.

Unfortunately, I did develop an umbilical hernia about 18 years after my last pregnancy. I’m not sure if that was related to the pregnancies, but more than likely it was. I have always been petite and I am 5’3″ so my guess is the pregnancy probably strained my abdominal wall. I also have other friends that have had various types of hernias repaired prior to pregnancy with no ill effects in getting pregnant or carrying the pregnancy to term. I hope that helps.