How is laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery done?
A laparoscopic inguinal hernia (rupture in the abdominal wall) repair is a routine surgery and may take up to two hours. A general surgeon usually performs the surgery in an operation theater. The patient is placed under general anesthesia during the procedure.
Preparation
- Prior to the surgery the patient
- Undergoes blood, urine and imaging tests.
- Must avoid eating and drinking 8 hours prior to the procedure.
- Must check with the doctor before taking any regular medications.
- Must inform the doctor of any allergies, or if pregnant.
Procedure
- An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and monitors the patient’s vital functions during the procedure.
- The surgeon makes three incisions in the skin below the navel, in the inguinal region.
- The surgeon inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide.
- The surgeon inserts the laparoscope through one of the incisions and uses the other incisions for inserting the surgical tools.
- Guided by the images from the laparoscope the surgeon gently pushes the protruding tissue or intestine back in place.
- The surgeon checks for other weak spots as an inguinal hernia might occur on one side or both sides.
- In case of incarcerated or strangulated hernia the surgeon may remove the hernial sac and repair the area with stitches.
- The surgeon fixes a mesh in the weak area to prevent the hernia from recurring.
- The surgeon strengthens the weak spot in the abdominal muscle wall with stitches if it is a direct hernia.
- The surgeon closes the inguinal ring with sutures in case of an indirect hernia.
- The incision is then closed with sutures.
- The patient is brought out of anesthesia, administered pain medication, and monitored in the recovery room until vital functions are stable.
How long does it take to recover from a laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?
Most patients will go home the same day or a day after the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Generally, people will be able to resume normal activities within two weeks, but will have to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
What are the risks and complications of a laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is one of the simplest and safest surgeries, but like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks.
Anesthetic side effects such as:
Surgical risks such as:
- Infection
- Pneumonia
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Injury to nearby organs, blood vessels or nerves
- Fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) in the scrotum, inguinal canal or stomach wall
- Damage to the spermatic cord (the cord that carries sperm from the testicle to the penis), which may affect fertility
- Pain in the spermatic cord or testicle
- Bladder injury and/or difficulty in urination
- Scar tissue (adhesions)
- Incisional hernia
- Injury to the testicle
- Recurrence of inguinal hernia
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Can You Heal a Hernia Without Surgery?
While non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place, a hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Conservative or non-surgical management should strictly be done under a doctor’s supervision because they may lead to complications such as bowel obstruction and strangulation.
dextran
Dextran is a prescription medication used to treat hypovolemia (decreased volume of circulatory plasma blood) resulting from surgery, trauma, severe burns, or other causes of bleeding. Dextran may be used alone or with other medications. Common side effects of dextran include mild itching, rash, body aches, numbness or tingly feeling, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, mild dizziness, weakness, low fever, and brown discoloration of your skin. Do not take if breastfeeding.
Direct vs. Indirect Hernia
Direct and indirect hernia are both inguinal hernias. Both types of hernias may cause a visible bulge in the groin area. Weakness in the muscle of the abdominal wall causes a direct hernia. A birth defect causes an indirect hernia. Hernias that can't be pushed in need surgery.Evicel (fibrin sealant, human)
Evicel fibrin sealant (human) is indicated as an adjunct to hemostasis for use in patients undergoing surgery when control of bleeding by standard surgical techniques (such as suture, ligature, or cautery) is ineffective or impractical. The most common adverse reactions (0.5% of subjects) reported in clinical trials are peripheral edema, abdominal abscess, infection, hematoma, incision site hemorrhage, vascular graft occlusion, postoperative wound complication and decreased hemoglobin.
Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes from the space in which it is normally contained. Symptoms of a hernia include pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, and fever. Hernias are diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests. Some hernias may be held in place with a supportive belt. Other hernias require surgical repair. The prognosis of people who undergo elective hernia repair tends to be good.
Hernia Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Exactly what is a hernia and why do we get them? Take this quiz to learn causes, symptoms, treatments and home remedies for this common condition.
Hernias: Causes, Types, and Treatments
Hernias often don't cause many symptoms, but they can lead to some serious problems. Use this WebMD slideshow to help yourself learn about what to look for and how they’re treated.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether nerve tissue is being irritated. An MRI or CT scan is performed to diagnose a herniated disc.
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a thin membrane of tissue connects the esophagus with the diaphragm becoming weak, and a portion of the stomach slides up into the esophagus. Causes include obesity, pregnancy, straining during a bowel movement, aging, and ascites. There are generally no symptoms of a hiatal hernia, and it is discovered during another medical procedure to test for GERD or other swallowing problems.
How Do You Treat and Repair an Umbilical Hernia?
Hernias develop when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak point of muscle or tissue. Learn what medical treatments can help your umbilical hernia and ease your symptoms.propofol
Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic drug used for general anesthesia and sedation during surgical procedures. Common side effects of propofol include injection site burning, stinging or pain; low blood pressure (hypotension), reduced cardiac output, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), pause in breathing (apnea), lung impairment (respiratory acidosis), impaired movement, high level of emulsified fats in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and high triglyceride level in blood (hypertriglyceridemia). Abuse of propofol can cause death and other injuries.What Is the Recovery Time for An Umbilical Hernia Surgery?
An umbilical hernia repair is a relatively routine surgery and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It can be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. An open surgery might require two to three days of hospitalization, but with a laparoscopic surgery a patient may be able to go home the same day or after 24 hours.succinylcholine
Succinylcholine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used for medical procedures done under general anesthesia, including tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and surgeries. Common side effects of succinylcholine include postoperative muscle pain, jaw rigidity, muscle twitch (fasciculation), respiratory depression, cessation of breathing (apnea), low or high blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias), slow or rapid heartbeat (bradycardia or tachycardia), cardiac arrest, increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), severe life-threatening drug reaction with excessively high temperature (malignant hyperthermia), salivary gland enlargement, excessive salivation, rash, hypersensitivity reactions, and others.
What Is an Umbilical Hernia Repair Surgery?
A hernia is a protrusion of an internal body part, such as the intestine, through a weak spot in the muscle or the surrounding tissue wall. An umbilical hernia repair is a corrective surgery for a hernia in the navel (umbilicus) region.
What Is Laparoscopy Used For?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery that helps diagnose and treat many health conditions. A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and small video camera on the end. The tube is put into a small surgical cut made through the abdominal wall near the belly button.
Where Is the Groin Area in Men and Women?
The groin area is located at the same place in men and women—at the junction where the upper body or abdomen meets the thigh. It is an area of the hip and is comprised of five muscles that work together to move your leg.