Hernias include displacement of body parts from their original position. Pushing the body parts back to their position and sealing the weak spot with a mesh or suturing is essential to prevent the hernia from returning.
The best surgery for your hernia is solely based on the condition of your hernia. On diagnosing your hernia your hernia surgeon will prescribe the best surgery for repairing your hernia.
Repairing your hernia is the priority. Upon consulting and fixing an appointment with a skilled hernia surgeon you face the surgery comfortably regardless of the kind of surgery prescribed to you.
Surgeries Available for Hernia Repair
There are three surgical procedures available to repair a hernia. Each type has certain advantages and doctors recommend the type of surgery required based on the demand of the developed hernia.
The three types of hernia repair surgery include:
- Open hernia surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic repair surgery
Open surgery is usually recommended for complex and complicated hernias. Laparoscopy and robotic repair for minimally invasive and less complicated hernias.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Hernia Surgeries
| TYPE OF SURGERY | OPEN SURGERY | LAPAROSCOPY | ROBOTIC REPAIR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PROCEDURE |
A large incision is made and the displaced parts are moved to their original position, alongside sealing the weak spot with a mesh or suture |
Smaller incisions are made and the displaced parts are moved to their original position, alongside sealing the weak spot with a mesh or suture |
Smaller incisions are made and the displaced parts are moved to their original position, alongside sealing the weak spot with a mesh or suture |
|
ADVANTAGE |
Lessened chances of damaging other body organs during the procedure |
Minimally invasive |
Minimally invasive |
|
DISADVANTAGE |
Bigger incisions |
Chances to damage other body parts during the procedure |
Chances to damage other body parts during the procedure
|
|
BLOOD LOSS |
More |
Less |
Less |
|
PAIN |
More |
Less |
Less |
|
NEED FOR HOSPITALISATION |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
RECOVERY PERIOD |
Longer (approximately 6 weeks) |
Shorter (Around a week or two)
|
Shorter (Around a week or two) |
Best Surgery for Each Kind of Hernia
The type of hernia and the complexity of the surgical procedure determines the choice of surgery for a hernia most of the time.
| HERNIA TYPE | PREFERED SURGERY | REASON |
|---|---|---|
|
Inguinal hernia |
Laparoscopy |
Less pain and faster recovery |
|
Femoral hernia |
Laparoscopy |
Smaller incisions |
|
Incisional hernia |
Laparoscopy |
Safer with more advantages to the patients
|
|
Epigastric hernia
|
Open surgery
|
For better access |
|
Umbilical hernia |
Laparoscopy |
Less pain and faster recovery |
|
Spigelian hernia |
Laparoscopy |
Less pain and faster recovery |
Other Factors Influencing Hernia Surgery Choice
Factors other than hernia types affecting the hernia surgical choice include:
- Size of hernia
- Complexity of the hernia
- Health of the patient
- Surgeon’s expertise
1.Size of the Hernia
If the size of the hernia is bigger, above 10 cm, and is getting complicated open surgery is prescribed at times.
Hernias below 10 cm and 5 cm are usually repaired using laparoscopic or robotic surgery techniques. Small internal hernias are preferred to be repaired using open surgeries traditionally.
2.Complexity of the Hernia
In case the hernia gets complicated, such as closed-loop obstruction, strangulation, or incarceration of body organs, open surgery is preferred for repair
Most elective hernia repairs and less complicated hernias get operated on using a minimally invasive surgical technique preferred for its lesser pain, lower blood loss, and faster recovery. Hernia surgery overall safety and high success rate, typically between 90-99%.
3.Health of the Patient
When the health of a patient does not permit any kind of surgery to repair a hernia lifestyle modifications, medications, or the use of a truss or hernia belt is recommended.
4.Surgeon’s Expertise
The expertise of the hernia surgeon also plays an important role in the determination of the hernia repair choice. Surgeons skilled in modern-day laparoscopic and robotic surgeries will prescribe these surgical options when conditions permit. Or else surgeons prescribe the traditional open surgeries.
Conclusion
The best surgery for a hernia ultimately depends upon the kind of hernia and its severity or complexity. Your hernia surgeon will prescribe suitable hernia repair surgery upon diagnosis of your hernia condition as well.
Look into the expertise of a surgeon before booking an appointment. Also, comply with the advice of your surgeon to have a successful hernia repair.
Wishing you a healthy recovery!
