Friday, 1 July 2011

Sports Hernia Surgery Recovery Time

When all the other treatments to relieve sports hernia injury are rendered useless, the physician may opt for surgery to correct the problem. Sports hernia, or athletic pubalgia, normally affects athletes, and is characterized by a tear in the oblique muscles in the abdominal region. The muscles may become weak and tear in the long run, if there is too much strain on them. The sacs can be felt on the abdominal region and may also trigger intense pain in the groin. On closer observation of the symptoms of sports hernia, the severity of the condition can be diagnosed. Men are more prone to sports hernia, when compared to women due to their anatomical make. Let us discuss about the surgical procedure and rehabilitation of sports hernia injury.

Sports Hernia Surgical Procedure

Sports hernia treatment options normally include rest, abstaining from any physical activity and restraining oneself from doing heavy work. Application of ice packs on the affected region, anti inflammatory drugs or compression shorts may be implemented to treat sports hernia. However, if these methods fail to provide the desired result, then the physician may opt for surgery. Earlier, open surgery was the only option to correct sports hernia. But thanks to the advancement in the medical field, this treatment method can now be carried out with a minimally invasive procedure without actually entering the body cavity. These days, surgeons use the laparoscopic method to correct this injury. The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, as per the choice of the individual. In this method a laparoscope is inserted into the body through a small incision to locate the exact site of the hernia. Meanwhile the entire procedure is monitored by the images displayed with the help of a camera (or endoscope) fitted to the laparoscope, projected on the computer monitor. After the hernia is located, the doctor may use suction to pull back the sac in its original place and the superficial nerve is also removed to prevent it from getting clogged in the scar tissue. A thin mesh is also inserted in the surgical site to stabilize the repair and support the inguinal canal. After this the incision is closed and sealed with a bandage, and medications are administered to avoid any kind of infection at the site of the surgical wound.

Recovering from a Sports Hernia Surgery

Once the surgery is over, the patient is transferred from the operation theater by a gurney and shifted to the ICU ward for closer observation. Following the laparoscopic surgery, the person may be require minimal hospitalization for up to four hours, in contrast to the traditional method where the person may have to stay in the hospital for four days. The patient is required to take ample rest for complete healing. Pain killers may be administered to the individual to help him combat with the pain after the surgery. There are also modifications in the diet and lifestyle to aid in the sports hernia surgery recovery. The patient is also advised against lifting overtly heavy things which may put pressure on the abdomen. Any pain or discomfort noticed should be reported immediately to the surgeon or a health care provider. Post surgery, the physician may also direct the person to undertake physical therapy, where he may be recommended exercise that will help strengthen the abdominal muscles. In the traditional open surgery method, the person would take anywhere between six to ten weeks to completely recover from the medical procedure. However, the recovery time for laparoscopic sports hernia surgery takes approximately four to six weeks.

Teamed with proper physical therapy, diet and medications, one can speed up the sports hernia surgery recovery time and the person can resume his normal routine. Additional efforts like exercise, including dietary fiber and staying hydrated will prevent the recurrence of this disorder.

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