If you have ever been a little aware of the common diseases then we bet you must have come across a disease named hernia and hernia surgery.

Even if not then don’t worry as we will take you through a lot of stuff related to it such as what is hernia, what are its indications, what is the surgical procedure followed to treat it, its post-operative care and so on.

So without the slightest delay let’s move ahead and be informed as much as we can so that if (god forbid) you come across this minor but common disease, you can be prepared in the best way to counter it and live a healthier and more peaceful life.

What is Hernia

Hernia is the pushing of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity through a weak spot in the abdominal wall to form a bulge.

They can be repaired by closing the defect through surgery and strengthening the weak area with a mesh. And this whole process is called laparoscopy and is done in as less invasive a manner as possible.

Indications of Hernia

Minor hernias that do not show any symptoms or cause problems are usually left alone and observed by the doctor for a while.

But when a hernia starts to show symptoms such as enlargement or entrapment, surgery starts to come into the picture. It’s usually an open hernia surgery with a large incision or a laparoscopic surgery with smaller incisions.

Laparoscopy is recommended for patients who get hernia too often, and have bilateral inguinal hernias or femoral hernias. It’s not advisable for patients with large/strangulated hernias, who had a recent pelvic surgery, or who are intolerant to general anaesthesia.

They would be treated through an open approach.

Hernia Operation Procedure

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a few cuts in your abdomen or groin through which a tube (laparoscope) and other instruments are inserted.

A camera affixed to the laparoscope sends clear and magnified images to a screen taking the surgeon forward in the procedure. The surgeon then pushes the bulge back into the abdomen and fixes it by stitching the abdominal wall or through a mess to support the weakened tissue.

Hernia Treatment Care

Laparoscopic surgery of inguinal or femoral hernia is normally done as an outpatient process so that the patient returns home as quickly as he recovers from anaesthesia.

You may have some minor swelling at the cut sites but don’t worry about it as it’s perfectly normal. Pain and swelling are kept in check through medications. It is strictly advisable to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 3 weeks after the procedure.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Hernia Operation

Laparoscopic hernia surgery involves minimum invasions, less tissue damage, less pain, and a faster recovery as compared to the open method. It allows you to go back home on the same day and get back to your regular routine sooner.

Risks & Complications of Hernia Treatment

A tiny bit of risks and complications are normal in any procedure. But when we talk about laparoscopic hernia treatment, the following ones can occur:

• Groin pain caused by nerve injury
• Infection at the mesh or incision site
• Fluid or blood accumulation
• Urinary retention

How is Hernia Operation performed

A hernia surgery or repair is performed as an outpatient process without an overnight stay in the hospital.

There are two types of hernia operations:

• Open Surgery
• Keyhole/Laparoscopic Surgery

The keyhole or laparoscopic surgery is further divided into two types:

• Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP)
• Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP)

Open Hernia Treatment

To treat a hernia using this approach, the doctor pushes back the hernia to its normal spot and holds it there using a belt. However, for the hernias that cause pain and other symptoms, surgery is the most suitable way to go.

They are also more effective for situations where hernias can’t be placed in their normal locations and those that are strangulated or incarcerated.

Surgery is directed at closing and repairing the muscle wall through which the disease protrudes.

Open hernia surgery is also called herniorrhaphy and can be done under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes a 5-10 cm long cut (depending on the hernia’s size) to access and take a look at the surgical site.

Then he pushes the part of the protruding intestine back to its normal spot and repairs the weakened layer by stitching the edges of the healthy tissue together.

Generally, a synthetic mesh is placed and stitched over the weakened spot to provide extra strength and support through a procedure called hernioplasty. Finally, the incision is closed post the procedure using dissolvable stitches.

Post-Operative Care

After the surgery, you must take the following measures:

• Take shower only after 48 hours.
• Can leave on the same day of the operation.
• Avoid driving after taking painkillers as they induce sleepiness.
• Resume daily activities slowly.
• Resume strenuous activities only after consultation with a doctor.
• Use an ice pack on the surgery spot to reduce pain, prevent swelling, and lessen bleeding.
• Take good rest to recover quickly and properly.

Risks & Complications of Hernia Operation

Like almost every surgical procedure, open hernia surgery involves the following risks and complications:

• Anaesthesia reaction
• Infection
• Bleeding from operation spot
• Nerve damage
• Numbness of skin

Although hernia comes back in less than 5% of the patients post-surgery, you must be careful and disciplined with the preventive measures.

Laparoscopic Hernia Treatment

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a process in which a tube (laparoscope) is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut. The laparoscope is a tiny fibre-optic gadget that has small legs, a light source, and a video camera.

Details about Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

• The laparoscopic hernia surgery is performed under normal anaesthesia.
• The laparoscope camera shows the image of the abdominal wall on a screen.
• The doctor makes three small cuts on the abdomen to insert the dissector and keyholes (trocars).
• A deflated balloon along with the tube is inserted and then inflated through a pump.
• Once the keyholes (trocars) are placed, the instruments are inserted to treat the hernia.
• A mesh sheet is inserted through the top trocar and placed and fixed in the abdominal wall to strengthen the repair and prevent the disease in the future.
• Finally, after the procedure, the CO2 gas is evacuated, the keyholes are removed, and the cuts are closed and dressed with an antiseptic bandage.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

• Less post-operation pain
• Smaller cuts and quicker recovery
• No further incision needed
• More suitable for patients with recurrent hernias
• Early discharge
• Early return to normal routine

Complications of Hernia Surgery

• Some discomfort and stiffness
• Risk of infection
• Nerve and blood vessel damage
• Blood clots and bruising
• Wound irritation
• Urinary retention

Post-Operative Guidelines

• Be careful and disciplined in taking pain medication.
• Remove the bandage after 1 day.
• See a general physician for wound review after 5 days.
• Don’t drive for at least 2 weeks after the surgery and resume normal activities only if comfortable.
• See your doctor every 2 weeks after surgery to keep a check on your healing progress.

Conclusion

So coming to an end with this one, we have gathered a lot of critical information about this minor but common disease.

Although ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is a good saying and still relevant in these times, staying well-informed and careful about other diseases is always a good idea.

So we hope that you pick up a lot of useful points from this one and make this journey a lot easier and joyous. All the best.