Complications in the abdomen can be quite serious, however, with medicine and surgery, a lot of complications can be tackled. The following is an insight on minimally invasive hernia surgery.
For any disease or medical complication, we try our level best to keep the treatment minimal and safe. Talking about hernia surgeries, let us understand in short what is hernia first. It basically is a defect in the abdominal wall. This defect is caused when the inner abdominal muscle layers are damaged and are weak, that result in a bulge or a tear.
The inner tissues of the abdomen that are weak, are pushed by the inner lining of the abdomen, which causes a bulge, or a balloon like formation in the weakened section. This balloon like sac is called hernia. There are many causes of hernia, and can happen to men and women alike, at any age. Factors like strain to the abdomen, difficult bowel movements, urination, and age, can cause stress on the abdominal walls, and hence cause hernia. It can also be a heredity disorder. Hernia causes severe pain, leading to serious complications, if not treated.
The basic treatment for hernia does not begin with medicines and drugs, only surgery can treat hernia. Though a hernia belt, that suppresses the bulge is used, but is not effective in most cases. Let us check the surgical options that are used to treat hernia, and understand in some detail about minimally invasive hernia surgery, that is also called laparoscopic hernia surgery.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Hernia, if not treated on time, causes further complications like intestinal incarceration and strangulation. Hernia grows without treatment, and the larger it grows, it creates more complications. Though, an exception of close monitoring can be made for those with serious surgical issues like bleeding, heart disease, lung disease, etc. In severe hernia cases, one cannot consider even these exceptions. An open surgery is one option for hernia repair, however, many doctors opt for a laparoscopic hernia repair.
Hernia Surgery Procedure
This surgery uses a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a small-lighted scope that has a camera connected to it through a cannula. In this procedure, general anesthesia is given to the patient. A small incision is made in the abdomen near the navel or in the navel. The laparoscope is inserted through this incision. The abdomen is inflated so that the surgeon can properly view the internal parts of the abdomen. A harmless gas like carbon dioxide is used in inflation. A mesh is placed before the abdominal lining area that is weakened in the abdominal wall. Once securely placed before the hernia, it is stapled with surgical staples. The abdominal incisions are then closed with stitches.
Minimally Invasive Surgery – Advantages
Most doctors will insist on this type of surgery, as there are many factors that make this surgery relatively safe, than an open surgery.
- The surgery is comparatively safe, and is less painful and traumatic. The time taken for recovery is less with a laparoscopic procedure, and lets one resume daily activities soon.
- There are two or three small incisions that are barely visible, as compared to one large incision that an open surgery demands.
- The surgery gives an option to diagnose and also repair if there is any other hernia on the opposite side of the abdomen.
- Low post surgery pain and low costs of the surgery are big advantages of minimally invasive surgery.
Hernia Surgery Recovery and Cost
A close monitoring will be followed after the surgery. Within a few hours after you recover from the anesthesia and after gaining control on walking and moving around, you will be discharged from the hospital. With a successful surgery and no serious complications post surgery, the expected laparoscopic hernia recovery time is around 3 days.
One can start with his daily routine in two to three days after the surgery. The cost will depend on the age, gender, complications in the surgery, and also on the location. The average laparoscopic hernia repair cost can be anything between $5000 – $14,000. However, the costs may go higher in certain hospitals, depending on the location and state.
Risk Factors for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Factors like obesity, and any previous abdominal surgery complications, will not allow the physician to suggest a minimally invasive surgery for hernia repair. Infections and bleeding, and scar tissue formation, are most common risks after the surgery. Injuries to the other organs like the urinary bladder, nerves, blood vessels, intestines, etc., may also happen. A possibility of hernia recurrence is one factor. Others like thigh numbness and pain can also be experienced.
This type of hernia repair is suggested in most hernia cases. However, your surgeon will be able to check and then decide if you can be operated upon with this procedure, as people with certain issues may require to take special precautions during and after the surgery. Post surgery, if the patient experiences high fever, bleeding, constant nausea, vomiting, inability to eat or drink, prolonged pain and breathlessness, the surgeon should be immediately informed to take further action.
Hernia is a serious issue and needs proper and careful treatment. Make sure you study and discuss all the possibilities before you opt for any surgery. Rest all, keep a positive view and take intensive care for a healthy recovery.