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When an internal organ or fatty tissue bulges or protrudes through the wall of the surrounding muscle or connective tissue called fascia, the condition is called Hernia. It usually develops from weakness in abdominal muscles involving one of the organs pushing through one of the walls in the abdominal cavity.
The most common occurence of hernia happens in the inguinal passageway in the groin called an inguinal hernia. Globally, inguinal hernias constitute 75% of all abdominal wall hernias.
Other types of Hernia include:
Femoral Hernia– A groin hernia that happens in the femoral canal located below the inguinal canal.
Umbilical Hernia– It happens when the intestine bulges through the abdominal muscle near the navel.
Hiatal Hernia– It happens when a part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity via the oesophagal opening in the diaphragm.
Incisional Hernia– It happens when a former incision in the abdomen weakens over time, resulting in the underlying tissue protruding through it.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia– A birth defect, it happens when the diaphragm does not close completely during fetal development.
Most hernias are not painful or serious, but they can be. So, before we delve deeper into the causes, treatment options and possible complications, let’s take a look at a few basic aspects-
A few hernias are too deep to be visible, but when you can see them, it would look like a bulge- most commonly on the abdomen or at the top of the inner thighs.
With some hernias, you might see the bulge and yet feel no pain. But, in some cases, you might experience dull or acute pressure accompanied by little or sharp pain.
Apart from pre-existing birth defects, Hernias also develop later in life. They are caused by a combination of weakness in the abdominal muscles and increased pressure in the abdomen. A few contributing causes of hernia are-
● Premature birth or/and low birth weight. The chances of inguinal hernias increase up to 30% in these cases.
● Family history of hernia.
● Persistent sneezing or chronic coughing that accompanies smoking.
● Chronic diarrhoea or constipation resulting in increased pressure during bowel movements.
● Previous hernia repair.
Other factors, including ageing, rigorous physical activity without stabilising the abdominal muscles, poor nutrition, and obesity, can cause the muscles to weaken and make hernias more probable.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using a laparoscope that usually takes 1 hour or less. Patients with the following hernias can opt for this procedure-.
● Ventral hernia
● Recurrent hernia
● Bilateral Inguinal hernias
The surgery is performed using general anaesthesia where a surgeon would make three to four small incisions around the hernia. While 1 incision measures less than one inch in size, the others will be a little smaller.
Next, a thin, lighted scope with a small camera at the end called a laparoscope is inserted through the bigger incision, and the other required tools are inserted through the smaller incisions in the abdomen.
The abdomen is then inflated with carbon dioxide or a balloon to create space to work, and the hernia is pulled back to its natural position.
Depending upon the complexity and nature of the surgery, the surgeon might sew the edges of the healthy tissues together or place a piece of mesh on the inner side of the cavity to strengthen the weakened area of the abdominal wall.
An open hernia repair requires large incisions, but since laparoscopic surgery is performed by making just three or four tiny cuts around the hernia, it leaves no big scars.
With the magnitude of postoperative pain, swelling and discomfort being very less, there is a quicker recovery time in this technique. Most patients who opt for laparoscopic hernia repair can go home the same day. They can return to work and light activity after just 2 weeks and resume exercises after 4 weeks of recovery.
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and hence there is only minimal trauma to the abdominal wall, which further reduces the chances of postoperative morbidity. That being said, the probability of infections and wound healing complications like the formation of hematomas are very less.
30% of patients suffering from groin hernias have an occult hernia on the opposite side, i,.e. a hidden hernia that is asymptomatic and doesn’t get detected upon physical examination but is identified on surgical exploration. Eventually, 1 out of 5 occult hernias become symptomatic and require repair, thus another surgery.
But since, during the laparoscopic surgery the opposite side can also be visualised, it has the potential and the ability to diagnose and repair additional asymptomatic hernia defects at the same time, no matter its size, with no need for extra surgeries or incisions.
Laparoscopic procedure for hernia repair is a very common surgical procedure, and being minimally invasive, it is a safe technique when applied to appropriate cases under appropriate situations. However, just like any other surgical procedure, laparoscopic hernia repair also carries a certain degree of risk, including:
● Reaction to the general anaesthesia
● Infection
● A slight chance of recurrence of the hernia
At AMI Hospital, we leverage cutting-edge technology and house USFDA-approved diagnostic and surgical tools. Our in-house team of laparoscopic surgeons and experts come with immense knowledge and a massive 10+ years of experience in treating all types of hernias with a success rate higher than 95%.
Being one of the best state-of-the-art medical facilities in the country, we ensure that you receive personalised care throughout your treatment and recovery and experience long-term health improvements.
For more information about hernia surgery treatment in Vadodara, visit our website
www.amihospitals.com
Dr Ketul Shah
M.S ( Laparoscopic Surgeon) Hernia Specialist Doctor
+91 8238692783
