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 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 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.

Minimally Invasive 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.

Minimally Invasive 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. Hernia surgery recovery time 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. Hernia surgery 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.

Minimally invasive 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.

Sports Hernia Surgery Recovery Time

When all the other treatments to relieve sports hernia injury are rendered useless, the physician may opt for surgery to correct the problem. Sports hernia, or athletic pubalgia, normally affects athletes, and is characterized by a tear in the oblique muscles in the abdominal region. The muscles may become weak and tear in the long run, if there is too much strain on them. The sacs can be felt on the abdominal region and may also trigger intense pain in the groin. On closer observation of the symptoms of sports hernia, the severity of the condition can be diagnosed. Men are more prone to sports hernia, when compared to women due to their anatomical make. Let us discuss about the surgical procedure and rehabilitation of sports hernia injury.

Sports Hernia Surgical Procedure

Sports hernia treatment options normally include rest, abstaining from any physical activity and restraining oneself from doing heavy work. Application of ice packs on the affected region, anti inflammatory drugs or compression shorts may be implemented to treat sports hernia. However, if these methods fail to provide the desired result, then the physician may opt for surgery. Earlier, open surgery was the only option to correct sports hernia. But thanks to the advancement in the medical field, this treatment method can now be carried out with a minimally invasive procedure without actually entering the body cavity. These days, surgeons use the laparoscopic method to correct this injury. The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, as per the choice of the individual. In this method a laparoscope is inserted into the body through a small incision to locate the exact site of the hernia. Meanwhile the entire procedure is monitored by the images displayed with the help of a camera (or endoscope) fitted to the laparoscope, projected on the computer monitor. After the hernia is located, the doctor may use suction to pull back the sac in its original place and the superficial nerve is also removed to prevent it from getting clogged in the scar tissue. A thin mesh is also inserted in the surgical site to stabilize the repair and support the inguinal canal. After this the incision is closed and sealed with a bandage, and medications are administered to avoid any kind of infection at the site of the surgical wound.

Recovering from a Sports Hernia Surgery

Once the surgery is over, the patient is transferred from the operation theater by a gurney and shifted to the ICU ward for closer observation. Following the laparoscopic surgery, the person may be require minimal hospitalization for up to four hours, in contrast to the traditional method where the person may have to stay in the hospital for four days. The patient is required to take ample rest for complete healing. Pain killers may be administered to the individual to help him combat with the pain after the surgery. There are also modifications in the diet and lifestyle to aid in the sports hernia surgery recovery. The patient is also advised against lifting overtly heavy things which may put pressure on the abdomen. Any pain or discomfort noticed should be reported immediately to the surgeon or a health care provider. Post surgery, the physician may also direct the person to undertake physical therapy, where he may be recommended exercise that will help strengthen the abdominal muscles. In the traditional open surgery method, the person would take anywhere between six to ten weeks to completely recover from the medical procedure. However, the recovery time for laparoscopic sports hernia surgery takes approximately four to six weeks.

Teamed with proper physical therapy, diet and medications, one can speed up the sports hernia surgery recovery time and the person can resume his normal routine. Additional efforts like exercise, including dietary fiber and staying hydrated will prevent the recurrence of this disorder.

Femoral Hernia Surgery

The abdomen of the human body, the lower chest and the upper portion of thighs and groin is surrounded and bounded by peritoneum, which is a muscular membrane. This muscular membrane basically holds together or keep all the organs of the digestive system and abdomen in place. In short, the presence of the membrane is of importance as it acts as a protective agent for the organs. In case of exertion or failure of peritoneum, the organs tend to get displaced and from a bulge or sac by pushing against the membrane. The protrusion can sometimes be felt even through the external skin. The protrusion is unnatural and unhealthy, and there are complications which tend to cause the internal organs harm. In extreme cases of hernia, protrusion against the peritoneum was observed have caused tear in it. Well, this a serious condition as it can led to the entanglement of internal organs with the membrane. This obviously causes pain and discomfort and in serious cases, several ailments such as vomiting, in relation to the digestive system are observed. In some cases though, the protrusion of the hernia is so minor that it goes unnoticed and it also does not result into any kind of symptom. Hernias in female as well as male are classified in accordance with the location where they are caused.

About the Femoral Hernia

The Femoral hernia, is usually caused at the bottom most section of the peritoneum, which is in areas where the limbs are joined to the torso and the groin.

    * Location: A femoral hernia occurs in the lowest part of the torso and abdomen, just before the legs start. In case if you are suffering from the femoral hernia you should be feeling certain discomfort in the upper most parts of the thighs and the lower end of the torso, near the groin
    * Cause: Causes of common femoral hernia include, extreme physical strain, chronic cough and cold, constipation, extreme obesity, enlarged prostrate and lifting of extremely heavy objects. In some cases such a hernia can also be present right since birth.
    * Symptoms: Symptoms of this ailment include, discomfort, nausea, pain and in latter and extreme stages, nausea and vomiting.
    * Complication: In some cases, organs and tissues within the abdomen get stuck in the hernia and become incarcerated and gangrenous in some cases.

Now then lets take a look at the femoral hernia surgery which is also known as (generically,) herniotomy right from that start along with the detection and diagnosis to the recovery stages. Also note that there is 'no' alternative to the surgery.

Femoral Hernia Surgery: Diagnosis, Process and Recovery

Now this condition is diagnosed by the doctor in three ways and in most of cases, to analyze and observe the situation more closely and accurately, most of the doctors and surgeons tend to conduct the following procedures one after the another.

   1. Physical Examination: Physical examination of the affected area and a series of questions usually give the doctor an excellent idea as to what exactly has happened in your abdomen and how severe is your hernia. In some cases doctors may also prescribe some common blood tests and urine analysis as a pre-emptive study of your case, especially of your general health and the abdomen.
   2. Ultrasound: Now-a-days, due to presence of faster and sophisticated means of surgery such as laparoscopy, doctors and surgeons make it a point to get a visual and proportional idea of the hernia and hence, an ultrasound is also prescribed (by default).
   3. CT Scan: As mentioned above, the hernia can progress into complicated situations and in cases, where complications have developed a surgeon may also prescribe a CT scan.

Though a physical examination is quite enough in most of the cases, the ultrasound or CT scan are done as they help the surgeon in the actual surgery and also give him/her of a better idea of the condition of the hernia. Now the actual surgery, at least in theory, is simple and pretty much straight forward. Here are two methods with help of which it is done. Now take into note that hernia can be a progressive condition if not attended to. Usually it starts with a protrusion, which irritates the muscular membranes, later it is still ignored it progresses into the formation of a bulge which progresses into a sac. This sac is very dangerous owing to the fact that it can lead to a gangrene and entanglement of internal organs and the membrane.

Open Surgery
Open surgery is the older form of operating a hernia and is usually used (in today's times) where the extent of the hernia is severe. The open surgery starts with a cut which is taken above the hernia on the outermost layer of skin. Then the surgeon untangles the hernia and pushes and rearranges the protrusion into the abdomen. Next the membrane is cleaned up and any damage caused as a result of the hernia is stitched up. In some cases, where extensive damage is observed, a mesh is also stitched onto the damaged part, to keep the organs from getting entangled into the membrane once again. Essentially the mesh also strengthens the damaged part for the membrane. The place where the entanglement can take place is known as the femoral ring. Now depending upon the extent and method of the surgery, three approaches which can be used are: Lockwood’s infra-inguinal approach, Lotheissen‘s trans-inguinal approach, McEvedy’s high approach.

    * The Lockwood’s infra-inguinal approach is used for elective correction.
    * The Lotheissen‘s trans-inguinal approach on the other hand is used for surgery through or around the inguinal canal, where the canal is actually cut open. This canal lies in the lower parts of the abdomen.
    * The McEvedy approach is a quick or emergency approach which is used when strangulation of abdominal organs is observed or suspected.

Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery which is also known as a 'key hole' surgery is a modern method where laparoscopic equipment such as sophisticated, small sized instruments and cameras are used. In such a case, the surgeon make very small, 3-4 incisions in the abdomen and operate with the help of the camera. The surgery is certainly that simple, but it helps in a very speedy recovery, owing to the fact that the number of 'cuts'' taken are small and the healing process is a bit faster.

The recovery process of he Femoral hernia surgery differs from person to person and case to case. Conventionally, after the surgery for a couple of days, the patient is put on liquid diet, which may continue even up to an entire month. Coming back to your routine may require anything from a month to 3 months, again depending upon your situation. Conventionally doctors and surgeons advise patients to take detailed care for an entire year or so. The hernia surgery cost is never specific or fixed and it usually depends upon the extent and damage of the hernia and the method which is used to cure the same. On the whole, a femoral hernia surgery can cost you anything from $2,000 to $10,000. On the other hand there are some package costs which amount to up to, $7,000. On an average, the comprehensive cost amounts to about $14,000 to $15,000, which includes some costs such as after surgery visits and pre-surgery tests. In surgeries where a mesh is used, the cost rises and may also go up to $20,000.

Walking and running after the surgery can be frightful and to some extent even uncomfortable, owing to the complicated position of the hernia. Your doctor and surgeon will however, guide you in a proper manner. I hope that the elaboration on femoral hernia surgery is resourceful.