Hernia surgery risks and errors
Getting a hernia is frustrating. A hernia may develop over time or from a single incident.
Some of the most common causes of hernias include the following:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Gaining weight suddenly
- Straining during a bowel movement because of constipation
- Persistent coughing
- Pregnancy
If your hernia causes you pain and discomfort or you are at risk of a hernia strangulation, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat it. It is important to know about the different kinds of hernia surgery, common complications and potential surgical mistakes.
Types of surgery
There are two ways a doctor may treat your hernia:
- Laparoscopic surgery: In this operation, the surgeon gives you general anesthesia, inflates your abdomen with gas, makes small incisions and repairs your hernia with mesh.
- Open surgery: This procedure involves the surgeon providing anesthesia, medication via an IV, making a cut, pushing the hernia into place, removing it or tying it off and closing the area with stitches.
Laparoscopic surgery tends to come with a faster recovery time.
Surgery complications
Possible risks of hernia surgery include the following:
- Blood clots
- Wound infection
- Chronic pain
- Nerve damage
- Recurring hernias
According to WebMD, most hernia procedures are safe. However, problems are always a possibility.
Surgery errors
Surgeons sometimes make mistakes that harm patients. Here are some potential hernia surgery errors:
- Harming a nerve during the operation with staples or stitches
- Making an incision in the wrong area
- Administering too much anesthesia
- Leaving an object inside the patient
These mistakes can lead to ongoing complications.
Hernia surgery lawsuits
If your surgeon injures you because of negligence, you may suffer long-term effects. Not only may surgery mistakes cause more pain, but they often require more treatment and medical fees. Your hernia surgeon may be guilty of medical malpractice. If this is the case, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the surgeon to receive compensation.