Hernia surgery or herniorrhaphy is a commonly undertaken medical procedure to treat hernias. You do not have to opt for hernia surgery for complicated hernias alone. You can also plan a hernia repair surgery before the hernia gets complicated.
Hernia surgery is made easy and updated today with the latest surgical technologies. You just need an experienced hernia surgeon to do a successful herniorrhaphy for you.
So, if you are planning to repair your hernia, choose an experienced hernia surgeon and carry on with your hernia surgery fearlessly.
How Long Do Hernia Surgeries Take?
A hernia surgery takes around 30 minutes to 5 hours on average. The duration of hernia surgeries depends upon the severity of the hernia and the type of herniorrhaphy involved.
There are three kinds of hernia surgeries employed:
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are minimally invasive and they are employed to treat less malignant forms of hernia. When the hernia is located in a complicated region as in the case of lumbar incisional hernia, open surgeries are suggested.
Since open surgeries are employed for complicated hernia situations most of the time laparoscopic and robotic surgeries take less time than open surgeries to complete repairing the hernia.
During the hernia repair surgeries, the hernia is pushed to its original position, and a mesh or suturing is used to close the weak spot to prevent future hernia.
Open Hernia Surgery Duration
Open hernia surgery is adopted for complicated hernia scenarios. It uses an incision of 6 to 8 cm in size to operate on the hernia. General anesthesia is administered during the process as well.
Open hernia surgery takes at least an hour to operate and requires hospitalization.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Duration
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is widely employed to repair hernia nowadays. It is minimally invasive and uses smaller incisions.
Laparoscopic hernia surgeries take no longer than an hour or two and require minimal hospitalization.
Robotic Hernia Surgery Duration
Robotic hernia surgery is a minimally invasive surgery. It employs machines like the da vinci to operate on the patient.
Robotic hernia surgery is employed to repair uncomplicated hernias and does not require more than an hour to complete the repair.
Factors Influencing Hernia Surgery Duration
The severity of the hernia and the type of surgery employed are two factors that influence the duration of hernia surgery.
Minor herniorrhaphy does not require hospitalization most of the time. You will have to stay in the hospital until the anesthesia administered wears off which does not take more than two hours.
In cases of major surgery, if the effects of anesthesia persist longer, extended hospitalization may be necessary.
How to Prepare for a Hernia Surgery?
First, the location and severity of your hernia will be diagnosed through recommended tests like barium swallow, abdominal ultrasound, or CT scans.
You will have to take blood and other tests as directed by your hernia surgeon before the surgery to make sure that your body is ready for the surgery.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption before the surgery as it can make your hernia surgery impossible. Incorporate a surgery-friendly diet too.
Also, inform your surgeon of your medical history and any medications you are taking.
If you are pregnant, get the guidance of your OB/GYN as well before hernia surgery.
Conclusion
Hernia repair has been made easy and quicker with modern hernia surgical technologies. The duration of the hernia surgery is also shortened due to these upgraded procedures.
Most hernia surgeries do not require overnight stays and you can resume your routine work very soon after your hernia surgery.
Take up a hernia surgery as soon as possible and prevent future complications of your hernia.
To know more about hernia surgeries consult a hernia specialist.
FAQs
You can walk after a hernia surgery unless otherwise directed by your physician. If your surgery is a minor one, you can resume your routine work very soon after the hernia surgery. Just avoid lifting heavy objects, jogging, and other strenuous activities.
Hernia surgery is less painful nowadays due to modern surgical procedures. Also, you will be administered anesthesia during surgery. So, the amount of pain you encounter during and after the hernia surgery is less. Minimally invasive surgeries guarantee less surgical pain as well.
Do not be involved in strenuous activities after hernia surgery. Avoid alcohol, and driving until recovery. Avoid eating processed and unhealthy foods, just maintain health foods after hernia surgery.
