Hernia
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a sac formed out of lining of an organ that comes through the hole or weak area in the wall of a muscle, tissue, or membrane that normally holds an organ in place.
Hernias are more common in certain parts of the body such as the
- abdomen
- groin
- upper thigh area, and
- belly button area.
They can also occur in any place where you have had an incision from a previous surgery.
Types Of Hernia
There are different types of hernias based on their location. The most common types are listed below.
- Inguinal Hernia
- Femoral Hernia
- Incisional Hernia
- Umbilical Hernia
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum, occurring more commonly in men than women.
Femoral Hernia
Femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper thigh, is a loop of intestine, or another part of the abdominal contents, that has been forced out of the abdomen through a channel called the "femoral canal"(a tube-shaped passage at the top of the front of the thigh). This type of hernia tends to occur in older people and is more common in women than in men.
Incisional Hernia
Incisional hernia may be caused by the scar if you have had abdominal surgery.
Umbilical Hernia
Umbilical hernia is a small bulge around the umbilicus (belly button). An umbilical hernia in an infant is caused by the incomplete closure of the muscles around the umbilicus.
Treatments for Hernia
A hernia may need to be treated surgically as it may
- have a risk of causing pain,
- discomfort or
- even becoming strangulated.
Hernia Repair Surgery
A hernia repair is usually performed as an outpatient surgery with no overnight stay in the hospital. The operation may be performed as an 'open' or 'keyhole' (laparoscopic) surgery.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. The laparoscope is a small fiber-optic viewing instrument attached with a tiny lens, light source, and video camera.
Indications And Contraindications
Indications for laparoscopic hernia repair over open repair may include recurrent hernias, bilateral hernias, and the need for earlier return to full activities.
Contraindications specific to laparoscopic hernia surgery include non-reducible inguinal hernia, previous peritoneal surgery, and inability to tolerate general anesthesia.
Medical conditions including upper respiratory tract or skin infection and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus should be fully addressed and the surgery should be delayed accordingly.
Advantages Over Open Surgery
- Less post-operative pain with smaller incisions and faster recovery
- No further incisions required for patients with hernias in both groins (bilateral hernia)
- Ideal method for patients with recurrent hernias after previous surgery
- Early discharge from hospital
- Earlier return to work
About Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is performed in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. The procedure involves the following:
- A camera attached to the laparoscope displays the image of the abdominal cavity on a screen.
- The surgeon makes three small incisions over the abdomen to insert the balloon dissector and trocars (keyholes).
- A deflated balloon along with the laparoscope is inserted and the balloon is inflated with a hand pump under direct vision.
- Once the trocars (key holes) are placed, the keyhole instruments are then inserted to repair the hernia.
- A sheet of mesh is inserted through the top keyhole and positioned and fixed in the abdominal wall to reinforce the repair and help prevent recurrent hernias. After completion of the repair the CO2 gas is evacuated and the trocars are removed and the tiny incisions are closed and dressed with a sterile bandage.
Complications With Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Specific complications of laparoscopic hernia surgery may include
- local discomfort and stiffness,
- infection,
- damage to nerves and blood vessels,
- Bruising, and blood clots,
- wound irritation and
- urinary retention.
Post-operative Guidelines
- Pain medication will be provided and should be taken as directed.
- Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
- Swelling in the groin, at the site of hernia may occur due to serum accumulation in the cavity left by reducing the hernial sac.
- Bruising usually appears in the genital area, which is not painful and disappears over 1-2 weeks.
- You are able to drive usually in 1-2 weeks time and resume normal activities when comfortable unless otherwise instructed.
- Make a follow up visit approximately 2 weeks after surgery to monitor your progress.
