Hernia repair surgeries have been made simpler today with modern medical technologies. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and robotic surgeries require less time than traditional open surgeries. In addition to the kind of surgery, factors such as the kind of anesthesia administered, the patient’s health, and other factors also contribute to the duration of the hernia surgery.
On average, simple hernia repair takes a maximum of 30 minutes, and complex hernia surgeries take at least an hour or two.
What is the Duration of Hernia Surgery?
The duration of the hernia surgery depends on whether the hernia condition is complex. Complex hernia scenarios require more surgery time than simple hernia conditions.
Complex hernia scenarios include large and life-threatening hernias. When hernias get complicated, as in the case of obstruction, strangulation, or incarceration, they can become life-threatening. Most of the time, large hernias tend to become complex.
So, large and complicated hernias demand open surgeries, which generally take a longer time than minimally invasive surgeries, which are typically opted for small and low-priority hernia conditions.
Factors Influencing Hernia Surgery Duration
Besides complex and simple hernia scenarios, there are other crucial factors that determine the duration of a hernia repair surgery.
Some of the factors that influence hernia repair surgery duration include:
- Type of hernia repair surgery
- Type of anesthesia
- Patient health
- Patient BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Unforeseen encounters during surgery
1.Type of Hernia Repair Surgery
There are two kinds of surgical approaches available to repair a hernia. One is traditional open surgery, and the other is minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy and robotic surgeries.
Minimally invasive hernia repair techniques have rapidly replaced open surgeries owing to their many benefits, such as smaller incisions, lesser pain, lower blood loss, and faster recovery. Open surgeries are chosen only when the hernia is complex and demands them. Minimally invasive surgical techniques generally require less time than open surgeries.
2.Type of Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used during surgery can also determine the duration of the surgery. General anesthesia requires at least 15 minutes of administration, which can add up to the overall surgery duration. Local anesthesia, on the other hand, offers a shorter period of administration and recovery.
3.Patient Health
The overall health of a patient can pose a hindrance to faster hernia surgery. If the patient has had a previous surgery in the hernia region, it must be taken into account as well.
4.Patient BMI (Body Mass Index)
Patient BMI is an important factor to consider before choosing the surgical procedure to repair a hernia. Obesity can make laparoscopic surgeries difficult and thus extend the duration of the surgery.
5.Unforeseen Encounters During Surgery
Certain unexpected situations that arise in the middle of the surgery can call for additional treatments. This can prolong the duration of the hernia repair surgery.
Post Hernia Repair Surgery Recovery Time
Post-hernia surgery recovery time is based on the kind of surgical approach and anesthesia injected during surgery. Minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopy and robotic surgeries require a shorter recovery time of around 1 to 2 weeks. Open surgeries demand a longer recovery period of around 4 to 6 weeks.
Likewise, general anesthesia requires at least an hour or two of recovery time, whereas local anesthesia wears off within a shorter period after hernia repair surgery.
You can resume your regular activities once the surgical pain is not disturbing and when you stop taking painkillers to alleviate pain. However, complete recovery after hernia repair surgery would require over 3 months.
Conclusion
Hernias, big or small, complex or insignificant, require surgery at some point. It is better to go for elective hernia repair instead of postponing the surgery and ending up with a complicated hernia.
Hernia repair surgeries are now made pain-free and simple. The duration of the hernia repair is simply based on the kind of surgery used to repair the hernias. Complex hernia conditions require open surgery, which takes more time than minimally invasive techniques.
Consult an experienced hernia surgeon to handle your hernia repair and have a hernia-free, healthy life.
FAQs
The duration of the hernia surgery depends upon the complexity of the surgery. Simple hernia repairs can take up to 30 minutes, and complex hernia repairs can take up to five hours.
Factors such as the complexity of the hernia, the kind of surgery, choice of anesthesia and administration, patients’ overall health, and so on influence the duration of the hernia surgery.
The duration of your stay in the recovery room depends upon the anesthesia administered to you during the hernia repair surgery. You may have to stay around for 2 hours in the case of general anesthesia and around 30 minutes to an hour in the case of local anesthesia.
