Firstly, you need to know about hernia. A hernia occurs when a tissue bulges through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue that normally holds it in place. Hernias can occur in various areas of the body, but the most common types occur in the groin or abdomen.
Etiology
- The precise cause of hernias is not known. However, based on research, age, gender, and hereditary are some non-modifiable causes that trigger the occurrence of hernias. Similarly, some of the modifiable risk factors for hernias are smoking, chronic constipation, obesity, chronic cough, and physical activity. Other causes are:
- Anatomical weakness in muscles
- Developmental failure
- Weakness due to connective tissue disease
- Sharp and Blunt trauma
- Weakness due to aging or pregnancy
- Weakness due to Neurological or muscular diseases
- Increase Intra-Abdominal pressure
Symptoms
- The most prevalent symptom of any form of hernias is the lump or swelling with no pain. Also, according to the type, hernias can bring about the following symptoms:
- Acid reflux
- Chest discomfort
- Swallowing difficulty
- Feeling of bowel blockages
- Indigestion
Indirect/lateral/oblique Inguinal Hernia
- Through deep ring, lateral to inferior Epigastric artery
Direct/Medial Inguinal hernia
- Through posterior wall medial to inferior Epigastric artery, Through Hesselbach
Learning About Hernia Repair Surgery
- Both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery aim to fix the hernia by returning the misplaced tissue to its original location and reinforcing the weak area using stitches or mesh. The techniques and recovery processes differ significantly, however.
Open Surgery
- Open hernia repair is a conventional method and is used performed from a long time ago
- The surgeon makes one large incision at the site of hernia.
- The bulging tissue is gently pulled apart and put back where it belongs.
- Either the weakened area is sewn or reinforced with a mesh to prevent recurrence.
Advantages of Open Surgery
- Ideal for patients who have extensive or complex hernias.
- Typically reserved for emergency cases where the hernia is strangulated
- May be performed under local anesthesia, which may be safer for some patients.
Disadvantages of Open Surgery
- Typically takes longer time to recover from 1–3 weeks.
- Patients may experience more post-operative pain.
- Has a bigger scar that is more visible than laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- Laparoscopic hernia repair is a new technique is the most popular minimally invasive techquine
- The physician makes several small incisions in the abdominal area.
- A tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted inside to obtain a close look at the organs.
- The surgeon uses surgical instruments to correct the hernia and fortify the weak muscle with
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:
- Faster recovery with less stay in hospital.
- Less risk of infections
- Small incision therefore less scarring.
- Patients usually return to normal activities within 1 week.
Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery:
- Typically requires general anesthesia.
- Less suitable for patients with big or complicated hernias.
- Requires specialized equipment and surgical skill
- Recovery and Risks Compariso
- Pain and discomfort: Open surgery patients may experience more tenderness and soreness above the incision.
Though there is some disadvantage of having a little bit more cost laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is a safer method to attain positive results. Therefore, most of the patients and physicians want a laparoscopic method for hernia repair.
Both procedures share comparable success rates. However, the size and location of the hernia and the overall health status of the patient impact doctor’s decision making for management options .
Choosing the Best Approach
- Whether to have open or laparoscopic surgery depends on a variety of factors:
- The nature and size of the hernia.
- Is there any other risk factor behind hernia?
- The risk factors and history of the patient.
- The advice by an experienced surgeon.
