Hernias are one of the most common health disorders in the country. It happens when an organ starts pushing through and protruding from a weak tissue or muscle structure surrounding it.
One such hernia is a Spigelian hernia. A Spigelian hernia happens in the Spigelian fascia, a layer of tissue separating the two muscle groups in your abdomen. It occurs when an organ pushes through a weakness or tear in the tissue structure.
A spigelian hernia can be treated through surgery and other methods. In this article, we will look into all the treatment options available for a Spigelian hernia.
Surgical Repair Methods
Surgery is the best method of treatment for Spigelian hernias. The protruding organ in your body should be pushed back to its place, and the weakened tissue structure should be sewed up. This can only be done correctly through surgery.
There are three methods of repairing a spigelian hernia.
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted surgery
Open Surgery
An open surgery is a traditional way of operating on your body. Here, a large incision will be made on your abdomen. Your surgeon will manually push your organs back to their place and sew up the weakened Spigelian fascia.
This is the most basic method of hernia repair surgery. The one drawback of this surgery is its recovery rate. Since the surgery involves making a single, huge incision on your abdomen, it might take a long time for you to recover.
Laparoscopic Repair
A laparoscopic approach is a modern take on the traditional open surgery and is one of the most preferred surgical methods for hernia. In this method, multiple small incisions are made around the surgery site.
After the incision, CO2 is released into your abdomen to inflate it. A laparoscope—a long tube with a light and camera—and other surgical instruments are inserted through the incision.
Through the images shown on the screen, your surgeon will hold the instruments and conduct the surgery. This innovative method reduces the need for a long incision and reduces your recovery time.
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
A robotic-assisted surgery is similar to laparoscopic surgery in the way that it also involves making small incisions and using instruments to do the surgery. However, instead of manually holding the instruments, the surgeon will sit in a console and control the robot to perform the surgery.
This is the latest method and is not yet used in many hospitals. This method allows for higher precision than the other two surgery methods and has a quicker recovery rate.
Conservative Treatments
Conservative treatments involve medical treatment options that avoid invasive treatments like surgeries. While this is a good option for other complications, Spigelian hernia is not one of them.
A spigelian hernia is more complex than other hernias. Surgery is the only option to treat it. However, you can follow conservative treatments to relieve your pain and discomfort till you undergo the surgery.
Some conservative treatment options include wearing a corset, truss, or binder to apply pressure to the hernia and prevent it from developing further.
Post-Operative Care
The recovery rate for the Spigelian hernia varies depending on the type of surgery you underwent. Here are some general post-operative measures you can take to speed up your recovery process.
Medication: Your doctor will prescribe medication to reduce discomfort and pain. Ensure you take them without fail.
Food intake: Ensure what food you take after hernia surgery, It’s recommend liquid foods for a few days after the surgery. Don’t take solid or heavy foods that can impact digestion and cause complications.
Physical activity: It is best to avoid any physical activity and rest for a few days after the surgery. You can try walking a few days after the surgery and go home when your doctor recommends you to. Avoid any strenuous activities like running, jogging, weight lifting, etc.
Travel: It is recommended to not travel after immediate surgery, You can start travel once your doctor determines you have no complications
Conclusion
A Spigelian hernia is a serious issue that requires surgical treatment to cure. It is best to consult a hernia surgeon as soon as you detect any signs of the condition.
FAQs
After the surgery, you might need about 2–3 weeks to recover fully. During the recovery period, ensure you stay safe and follow all your doctor’s instructions.
A spigelian hernia is more complex than other hernias. Surgery is the only option to treat it. However, you can follow conservative treatments to relieve your pain and discomfort till you undergo the surgery.
Some conservative treatment options include wearing a corset, truss, or binder to apply pressure to the hernia and prevent it from developing further.
There are three methods of repairing a spigelian hernia.
Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery
