Hernia Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Summary- Surgery is necessary to address hernias, a chronic and recurrent condition.

In most cases, to treat hernia the only option is a surgery. Open repair, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) repair, and robotic repair are the three basic forms of hernia surgery. Let's take a closer look at each type of surgery;

Open hernia repair, also known as herniorrhaphy, involves numbing the affected area with local anesthetic in the belly or spine, or a general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep, or a combination of both.

The hernia is then moved back into the abdomen, and reinforces it with synthetic mesh or stitches after the surgeon makes an incision in the groin. After surgery, the majority of patients are released and can return to their regular jobs in a few days.

Summary- Open surgery involves the insertion of anesthesia to lessen the pain.

A tiny incision is used during laparoscopic (minimally invasive) hernia surgery to insert the laparoscope. Other little incisions in the lower belly are used to implant the surgical tools to correct the hernia. Laparoscopic surgery is typically carried out under general anesthesia, hence during this operation, there is no discomfort or pain.

As opposed to open surgery, laparoscopic hernia surgery has shorter recovery time, less pain post-operation and a lower risk of infection.

Summary- Laparoscopic methods of hernia surgery involve tiny incisions and painless procedures.

Robotic hernia repair surgery resembles laparoscopic surgery using a laparoscope. It also involves the same procedure like a tiny incision, inflating the abdomen, and using a tiny camera to project the inside of the abdomen. However, they differ too. This is because robotic hernia repair surgery involves three-dimensional images. Comparatively, it is less painful than the other two procedures.

Summary- It is regarded as the most advanced method of hernia repair surgery.

The majority of hernias cannot be healed without surgery. For most patients, hernia surgery is both safe and successful. A hernia surgery has following benefits:

• Eliminates any lumps or bulges
• Prevents complications including the potential for the intestines to breach a weaker section of the abdominal wall or get strangled with hernia. This might stop the flow of blood due to strangulated hernia or may also result in intestinal obstruction. These are both medical emergencies and can be avoided by having the hernia surgery
• Helps reduce symptoms and discomfort.

Summary- Hernia surgery includes some benefits like eliminating its symptoms along with the pain and irritation caused by hernia.

Hernia surgery is the prominent method to treat a hernia. It helps to complete;y eradicate the symptoms of hernia. It also decreases pain and discomfort which is often accompanied by hernia. Hernia surgery is categorized into different types namely robotic surgery, open surgery, and laparoscopy surgery.

Summary- Hernia can be cured with the help of surgical procedures only.

Just like all the other surgical procedures, hernia operation also has some risks, which are;

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Injury to testicle or intestine
• Allergic responses to the anesthetic, other drugs, or surgical supplies.

Summary- Some risks are also associated with hernia surgery like infections, bleeding, clots, etc.

Days before the procedure, a hernia is diagnosed. The surgeon will set up a meeting with you following an accurate assessment. In an emergency, though, you might have to act right away.

• The surgeon will review your medical history before the surgical procedure
• He may ask you to stop taking medications that raise the risk of bleeding
• A restriction on food and liquids starting the evening before the procedure to ensure you do not vomit.
• The day of operation, you should dress comfortably in loose-fitting attire 
• Additionally, confirm that someone will drive you home following the procedure.

Summary- We need to follow some simple rules before commencing the surgery.

Hernia surgery is a moderately invasive procedure that is done under anesthesia and the whole surgery lasts from 45-60 minutes. Inguinal hernia repair method selection is strongly influenced by:

• Your general condition: It may be advised to have open surgery utilizing local anesthesia instead of a general anesthetic if you are elderly or in poor health.
• The experience of your surgeon: Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery is less prevalent than open surgery, and not all surgeons have sufficient experience in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Based on its methods, the procedure can vary. Here is what you can expect from the different approaches of hernia surgery;

• Typically the night before surgery, your surgeon may refrain you from eating or drinking anything after midnight (not even water).
• If your doctor has instructed you to keep taking any normal prescriptions, do so while sipping small amounts of water.
• Hernia repair surgery frequently requires the injection of a regional anesthetic into the spine or a local anesthetic. This implies that even though you will be awake during the procedure, the area that is being operated on will be anesthetized so that you won't feel any discomfort. A general anesthetic is occasionally employed. As a result, you won't experience any pain during the process because you'll be asleep.

During hernia repair surgery, a surgeon follows different methods according to different surgical procedures. However, the goal is the same. These processes include-

• Pushing the bulging tissue back to its original place
• Repairing the defective muscles and ducts
• Strengthening the weakened area by using mesh materials.

• Within 48 hours of surgery, the majority of patients can take a shower. However, after surgery, bathing is not advised for two weeks
• Mild to moderate pain and a feeling of being a little under the weather are common side effects of hernia repair surgery
• Take your painkillers exactly as directed if you are taking them. Put them in the trash if you no longer need them, per the instructions
• As you recuperate, it's also typical to experience pulling or tingling in the operated area
• Most patients recover significantly from surgery within a week and feel better within a few days
• By consuming a nutritious diet and a lot of water, constipation risk can be decreased.

Summary- Hernia surgery is done by following specific procedures. These steps are preplanned to be taken prior to, during, and following the surgery.

The estimated cost of hernia surgery for open operations is more or less between INR 18,000 and 30,000. While the initial cost for laparoscopic procedures is around INR 40,000.

The price of hernia surgery varies based on the hospital, the type of procedure (open or laparoscopic), the size of the hernias, and the area that needs to be treated. It also depends on your health insurance plan. 

Summary- The cost of hernia surgery usually lies between 18,000-40,000 rupees.

• For at least 48 hours following hernia surgery that involves general anesthesia, refrain from consuming alcohol, operating machinery, or signing legal papers.
• The healing process can be aided by light exercise like walking, but you should refrain from heavy lifting and intense activities for roughly 4 to 6 weeks.

Summary- The patient must take proper rest after a surgical procedure to treat the hernia.

Your post-surgery diet should include meals high in fiber, and you should also drink lots of water. High-fiber foods may include:

• Fruits: Non-citrus fruits, such as apples, pears, melons, and berries
• Vegetables: Artichokes, carrots, sweet potatoes, asparagus, squash, green beans, leafy greens, and peas
• Whole grains: Like cereals (bran and oatmeal), bread, rice, pasta, and crackers
• Nuts and seeds: Like almonds and chia seeds
• Dairy products: Low-fat or skim milk or plant-based milks, like soy or almond milk
• Juices: Like aloe vera, carrot, or cabbage juice
• Meat: Lean meat, chicken, and fish
• Beans

Summary- We must include healthy foods like nuts, milk, vegetables, fruits, etc. while recovering from the hernia.

For most patients, hernia surgery is both safe and successful. It is a routine, low-risk operation that takes a few weeks to complete. Any lumps or bulges caused by hernias can be removed during the surgery. Fatal consequences like intestine strangulation can also be avoided by hernia repair operation.

Summary- Hernia surgery is regarded as safe.

While you might feel pain before and after a hernia operation, you'll probably be sleeping during the procedure and likely won't feel any pain or discomfort. In the majority of open, laparoscopic, and robotic hernia repairs, general anesthesia will be used throughout the process. Most postoperative discomfort from hernia procedures is manageable with medication.

Summary- Different procedures are available to tackle pain during surgery.

The length of time for a hernia operation recovery varies based on a number of factors, such as; type of hernia, age, and type of surgery. However, a full recovery usually takes the patient four to six weeks. Laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, takes substantially less time, and the patient is discharged on the day of the procedure. Additionally, you can shower 48 hours after the procedure and return to work three days to two weeks afterwards.

Summary- The recovery period usually varies with different patients.

Despite being rare, problems might arise following hernia surgery, including;

• Persistent groin pain
• Chronic pain
• Sexual dysfunction
• Deep incisional/mesh infection
• Mesh migration, and mesh erosion
• Recurrent hernias.

Summary- Hernia surgery has some common adverse effects as stated above.

Complete surgery aftercare is very important for complete recovery. It helps to leave the hospital on the same day as surgery or soon. Some examples of aftercare that helps to smoothen the recovery phase:

• Taking frequent walks
• Stretching after a certain interval of time
• Eat fiber and vegetables
• Consume enough liquids
• avoid driving for some days and never drive while taking painkillers
• No swimming or taking a bath for at least five days.

Summary- Following these aftercare tips helps to overcome all the possible hindrances.

The only effective treatment for the hernia repair is found to be surgical intervention. Hernia surgery improves a patient's quality of life and helps in avoiding life threatening conditions like intestinal strangulation due to entangled hernia. The most popular kind of surgical hernia repair involves using mesh to cover the patient's defect.

Summary- Hernia treatment procedure prominently comprises surgery.