HERNIA SURGERY
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
A hernia is the protrusion of tissue or part of an organ through muscular tissue, or the membrane by which it is normally contained.
LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR
Laparoscopic hernia repair is similar to other laparoscopic procedures. General anesthesia is given, and a small cut (incision) is made in or just below the navel. The abdomen is inflated with air so that the surgeon can see the abdominal organs. A thin, lighted scope called a laparoscope is inserted through the incision. The instruments to repair the hernia are inserted through other small incisions in the lower abdomen. Mesh is then placed over the defect to reinforce the abdominal wall.
What To Expect After Surgery
The chance of a hernia coming back after laparoscopic surgery ranges from 1 to 10 out of 100 surgeries done. Recovery time is about 1 to 2 weeks. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 4 weeks of recovery. Studies have found that people have less pain after laparoscopic hernia repair than after open hernia surgery. Laparoscopic surgery repair may not be appropriate for people who:
- Have an incarcerated hernia.
- Cannot tolerate general anesthesia.
- Have bleeding disorders.
- Are taking medicines to prevent blood clotting (blood thinners or anticoagulants, such as warfarin).
- Have had many abdominal surgeries. Scar tissue may make the surgery harder to do through the laparoscope.
- Have severe lung diseases.
- Are pregnant.
- Are extremely obese.
Laparoscopic surgery has the following advantages
- Some people may prefer laparoscopic hernia repair because it causes less pain and they are able to return to work more quickly than they would after open repair surgery.
- Repair of a recurrent hernia often is easier using laparoscopic techniques than using open surgery.
- It is possible to check for and repair a second hernia on the opposite side at the time of the operation.
- Because smaller incisions are used, laparoscopy may be more appealing for cosmetic reasons.