Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Approximately 600,000 hernia repair operations are performed annually in the India. Many are performed by the conventional "open" method. Some inguinal hernia repairs are performed using a small telescope known as a laparoscope. If your surgeon has recommended a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, this brochure can help you understand what a hernia is and about the treatment.

What Is an Inguinal Hernia ?

• A hernia occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened, resulting in a bulge or tear. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tire, the inner lining of the abdomen pushes through the weakened area of the abdominal wall to form a small balloon-like sac. This can allow a loop of intestine or abdominal tissue to push into the sac. The hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems that could require emergency surgery.
• Both men and women can get a hernia.
• You may be born with a hernia (congenital) or develop one over time.
• A hernia does not get better over time, nor will it go away by itself.

How Do I Know If I Have an Inguinal Hernia ?

• The common areas where hernias occur are in the groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), and the site of a previous operation (incisional).
• It is usually easy to recognize a hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements, or during prolonged standing or sitting.
• The pain may be sharp and immediate or a dull ache that gets worse toward the end of the day.
• Severe, continuous pain, redness, and tenderness are signs that the hernia may be entrapped or strangulated. These symptoms are cause for concern and immediate contact of your physician or surgeon.

Hernia Treatment

Through ages, the treatment of hernia has gone through various changes and modifications. Significant changes that have taken place in the treatment of hernia are:

• Open Surgery with Mesh - This is practiced worldwide.
• Laparoscopic surgery (Keyhole surgery) with mesh - This is being done in advanced centres with excellent results.
• Most of the hernias can be treated by Laparoscopy. In this procedure, small 3-4 holes are made in the abdomen depending on the site and size of hernia. A telescope is inserted through one of the holes and very specialized laparoscopic instruments through the other holes. Watching on a TV monitor the surgery is carried out and a mesh is placed at the site.

Advantages Of Laparoscopy

• No long scar, so better cosmetic results.
• Early recovery - Either side of a bilateral inguinal hernia can be managed by the same 3 holes.
• Fast recovery & early return to work.
• No restriction of lifting heavy weights subsequently.
• Less than 1% recurrence rate.