An Overview Of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery!

A hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall due to a weakness of its muscle layers.The inner most layer of the abdominal wall, called peritoneum, forms a sac and pushes through the weakened area. This results in the internal organs such as omentum (fat) or intestines, slipping into the sac, causing a swelling, pain and other problems. Hernias can occur in both men and women. Apart from natural areas of weakness of the abdomen, such as the umbilicus (navel/belly-button), a hernia may get triggered by lifting of heavy weights, constant coughing, weight gain, due to straining during irregular bowel movement and weakness at site of previous surgical scars.

Many hernias originate near the groin (inguinal and femoral hernias). Other common locations for a hernia are near the navel/belly-button (umbilical hernias), in the upper abdomen (epigastric hernia) and at the scars due to previous surgery (incisional hernia).

What are the symptoms?

Some of the common symptoms of a hernia include:

• Swelling which increases in size on standing and during activity, but decreases after lying down
• Bulge near the groin area
• Dull ache near the groin area
• Sharp pain while lifting weight
• Painful swelling
• Severe pain associated with nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, redness around the swelling may signal an emergency

How is a laparoscopic hernia performed?

This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and so the patient doesn’t feel a thing while the surgery is being performed. It is essential for a doctor to do a routine medical check-up that evaluates the general health of the patient, past medical history, EKG, blood work etc.

This mode of surgery uses a telescope-like instrument known as the laparoscope. With the help of a small incision, the laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen. A video camera is connected to the instrument to get a detailed inside view of a hernia and the area that needs to be repaired. Two or three additional tiny cuts of around 5 mm are made so that thin instruments can be inserted to perform the surgery. A mesh is placed inside the abdomen to fix the defects of the abdominal wall and strengthen the weakened tissue of the abdomen. Once the procedure is done, the incisions that are made in the abdomen is closed with the help of surgical tapes, or absorbable sutures.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are quite evident.

1. Few tiny incisions are made rather than making a large incision in the abdominal area.

2. The pain is significantly less compared to the conventional surgery.

3. Speedy recovery – the patient can walk around within a few hours after surgery

4. Shorter hospital stay

5. Early return to work, within few days after surgery

6. Better cosmetic results What to expect after the surgery

The patient can move around and even walk a few hours after surgery. Very often liquids are started on the same day, and patient can consume a normal diet the next day itself. Doctors often suggest a few days of rest at home after the surgery. The healing time can vary from person to person. A surgeon typically prescribes antibiotics and pain medications to cope up with the wound and pain. It must be ensured that these medicines are taken on time. A revisit to the surgeon might be required after a about ten days to assess the recovery.