How is Hernia treated?

Hernia occurs usually in the abdominal cavity when the abdominal muscles become weak and a portion of the intestine protrudes through a gap in it. It usually starts painlessly and as a small swelling and grows bigger and more painful with time. Hernia can be treated successfully with surgery.

What is hernia repair surgery?

Hernia Repair Surgery is the procedure performed to correct the hernia by pushing the protruding portion of the organ inside the body cavity and strengthening the muscles at the site to prevent further occurrences. 

There are three types of hernia repair surgery.

Open surgery

In this procedure an incision is made to open the site and identify the hernia ‘sac’. This is gently pushed back behind the muscle wall into the abdomen and the muscle wall is stitched to strengthen it. Sometimes a synthetic mesh is put in place to make the wall stronger and prevent future hernias. For four to six weeks after surgery strenuous activities should be avoided.

Laparoscopic surgery

This is a minimally invasive procedure as it involves small incisions. Special instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through these incisions. A camera in the equipment transmits images on to a monitor. The abdomen is inflated with an inert gas, usually carbon dioxide. The protrusion is pushed in and a mesh placed to strengthen the abdominal wall and the small incisions are closed. This is a less painful procedure and you can get back t normal life faster.

Robotic hernia repair surgery

This is like a laparoscopic surgery but the surgeon does not handle the instruments directly, but handles them through a console. A robot performs the surgery overseen by the surgeon at the console. This procedure provides greater definition in visualisation and better dexterity so that the procedure is better and has minimal chances of complications. 

A hernia surgery, whichever is suitable to a patient, is a safe method of repairing a hernia. So, if you have developed a bulge in your abdomen that gets bigger when you strain, don’t hesitate or postpone treatment. A hernia left untreated could lead to complications. Consult our gastroenterologist for an expert opinion and treatment.