Pres. Hample to Undergo Surgery During Break

By Ryan Marr

Following a semester of persistent health issues, President Hample is scheduled to undergo surgery over the break to remove two abdominal hernias.
Hample is not anticipating a leave of absence and intends to be back, in full health, for the spring semester.
“Lately, it’s become an annoyance because it’s so unpredictable.  I’m anxious to get it over with,” Hample said.
A recent Patient Information Brochure published by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) listed extreme discomfort coupled with sharp aches and pains, followed eventually by nausea and vomiting as possible ailments resulting from an untreated hernia.
According to Paul Riley, Director of the University’s Health Center, hernias are often painless when small and become much more painful as they grow larger.  He also noted that many people can go through their entire adult-life with a hernia without ever receiving treatment.
“Most hernia surgeries are routine outpatient procedures.  Go in that morning, have your surgery, and go home that afternoon,” Riley said.  “Occasionally patients are kept overnight but most healthy people are treated and released.”
According to a WebMD.com article, hernias are caused by weaknesses in muscle tissue, coupled with pressure on nearby organs against that weak tissue.  These organs begin to form lumps or bulges under the skin which, if left untreated, may cut off their own blood supply and require emergency surgery.
Hample admitted that complications from the twin hernias may have played a role in her decision to cancel several campus events during the semester.
However, according to the SAGES brochure, post-operative discomfort is usually restricted to mild or moderate pain, with a majority of patients able to return to normal activities in a short time.
Hample is anticipating only three to four weeks for a recovery period.
“My expectation is that I will be back as strong as ever in January,” she said.