HERNIA REPAIR SURGERY

Hernia Repair Details

Hernias don’t typically go away on their own, and while some may cause minimal discomfort, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Over time, the hernia may grow larger or become incarcerated (where the tissue is trapped), leading to more severe pain and the risk of strangulation (where the blood supply to the tissue is cut off causing it to die).

Hernia repair surgery is necessary to:

• Prevent complications: Treating a hernia early can help avoid dangerous conditions like strangulation, which can be life-threatening.

• Eliminate pain: Many patients experience significant discomfort due to a hernia. Surgery is an effective way to relieve pain and improve quality of life.

• Restore function: Repairing a hernia can allow you to return to normal activities, whether it’s exercising, working, or performing daily tasks.

There are two primary methods used to repair a hernia: open surgery and laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on the type, size, and location of your hernia, as well as your overall health.

1. Open Hernia Repair

In open surgery, the surgeon makes an incision near the hernia, pushes the bulging tissue back into place, and then reinforces the area with stitches or a mesh to prevent the hernia from returning. This approach is typically used for larger or more complex hernias.

2. Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions are made, and specialized tools, including a camera, are used to repair the hernia. This technique typically results in less pain, shorter recovery time, and smaller scars compared to open surgery. It’s often preferred for smaller hernias or for patients looking to recover quickly.

3. Robotic assisted Hernia Repair

Robotic assisted hernia repair is a relatively new form of minimally invasive hernia repair in which the surgeon controls a “robot” that has small, articulating instruments. Robotic hernia surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery and even laparoscopic surgery, including less pain, short hospital stays and quicker recovery time.

Robotic assisted surgery also allows for enhanced 3D perception, greater precision and dexterity for the surgeon, especially in complex hernia repairs.

Regardless of which surgical method is chosen, here’s what you can generally expect during your hernia repair procedure:

1. Pre-Surgery Preparation: Before your surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, including examine your hernia, and discuss any necessary pre-operative investigations (such as a CT scan, bloods tests, and referral to a peri-operative medical physician).

The pre-surgery preparation will include fasting before surgery.

2.        Anesthesia: Hernia repair surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. In some cases, regional anaesthesia (local numbing of the area) may be used.

1. The Procedure:

• Open Surgery: The surgeon will make an incision, dissecting the hernia sac off the surrounding tissue and pushing the protruding tissue back into place. The “hernia defect” or weakness causing the hernia is then typically reinforced with mesh or sutures.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: Small incisions are made, and a laparoscope (a small camera) is inserted to view the hernia. The surgeon uses specialized instruments to repair the hernia from inside the abdomen in a similar fashion to open surgery.

2. Post-Operative Care: After the surgery, you will be monitored in hospital (typically for 1-2 nights). Pain management will be provided, and you will be discharged home once you have been reviewed by your surgeon.

3. Recovery: Most patients are able to go home the same day or the next day, depending on the complexity of the surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the incision site, manage pain, and when to resume normal activities.

Recovery from hernia surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and your overall health. In general:

• Pain management: It’s common to experience some discomfort after surgery, but pain can usually be managed with prescribed medication and over-the-counter pain relief.

• Activity restrictions: You’ll be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Gradually, you’ll be able to resume normal activities as your body heals.

• Follow-up appointments: You will have follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress, remove any stitches if necessary, and ensure that the hernia has healed properly.

While most patients recover within a few weeks, full recovery may take several months, depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed.

Like any surgery, hernia repair carries some risks, although serious complications are rare. Possible risks include:

• Infection at the incision site

• Seroma - collection of fluid in the operative repair site 

• Bleeding

• Recurrence of the hernia

• Injury to surrounding structures and organs

Your surgeon will take steps to minimise these risks and discuss them with you before surgery.