Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Surgeries have been carried out since the middle ages to treat various medical illnesses. In older times, open surgery was the only option that involved making large cuts. In 1983, Lukichev introduced laparoscopic surgeries. 

Laparoscopic surgery for hernia repair is just like other laparoscopic surgeries. It is preferred over open surgery as the patient experiences less pain and recovers in less time. It uses a laparoscope. Anesthesia is given to the patient. 

A small cut is made on the navel or below it.

A laparoscope is inserted through the incision. Other small incisions are made in the lower belly to insert the other tools. The edges of healthy tissue may be sewn together or a mesh may be placed to reinforce the belly wall.

Most people who get laparoscopic hernia surgery can go home the same day. Recovery time is around a week or two. You should wait for about four weeks before you start doing strenuous activities. However, light physical activities can be done after a week of the surgery.

At Shantiraj Hospital our surgeons are well experienced and skilled to carry out laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Sapan Jain, the Director at Shantiraj Hospital has a rich experience of 22 years in laparoscopic surgery. Moreover the hospital is equipped with the latest and most advanced equipment to provide assistance to the surgeons to rule out any possibility of errors. 

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery over open surgery 

• It gives less pain and the patient can recover in less time.

• Recurring hernias can be treated using laparoscopic surgery as if it is easier and less time-consuming.

• The surgeon can check and repair if there is a second hernia on the opposite side during the operation.

• As the incision is very small, laparoscopic surgery is preferred due to cosmetic reasons.

Disadvantages

• This kind of surgery is difficult for a surgeon to perform. It requires skill and experience to perform it well. Fewer surgeons can do it well, not all.
• There is always a risk of unwanted cuts and damages due to the tools as the camera used provides a 2D view.

When do you need a laparoscopic hernia surgery

Your doctor will recommend you surgery if:

1. There is incarceration(tissue gets trapped in the abdominal wall). If left untreated, it can cause strangulation.

2. After the hernia is strangulated, it will become a surgical emergency. The strangulated organs can die and make you seriously very ill.

3. A hernia is causing discomfort and growing larger.

Risks of laparoscopic hernia surgery 

Some risks of laparoscopic hernia surgery are:

• The patients are given anesthesia, which has side effects. 

• There might be pain in the testicles.

• Might cause an inability to urinate or a bladder infection.

• Recurrence of hernia.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for hernia repair was introduced in the 1990s after laparoscopic gallbladder removal was successful. The patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery experience lesser pain and early recovery. These two factors make this surgery very convenient for the patients. 

Also, it is important to know about the background of the surgeon before undergoing laparoscopic surgery. A patient should ask how many such surgeries have the doctor done. An experienced surgeon should only be preferred.