All About Hernia Surgery: Types, Procedure, and Recovery

Did you know that hernias are fairly common, affecting millions of people each year? They occur when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that normally holds it in place. This can happen in various areas of the body, most commonly in the abdomen, but also in the groin, upper thigh, or even near the navel, causing a bulge in the affected area. While a bulge doesn’t always mean a hernia, it’s definitely a sign to get it checked. 

Hernia specialists most commonly prescribe hernia surgery to push back the tissue and organ in place. This is because, in most cases, hernia tends to get worse and cause painful symptoms. This guide dives into the different types of hernia surgeries, the hernia operation details, and the recovery process.

Types

There are 3 main types of hernia surgery, including:

Open Hernia Repair Surgery

Open hernia surgery, also known as herniorrhaphy, is a conventional and well-established procedure employed for the repair of hernias. The surgical process involves making an incision directly over the site of the hernia. The direct access and visibility facilitate a precise repair of the weakened muscle or the connective tissue. 

The pen hernia surgery approach is versatile and applicable to various types and sizes of hernias, making it a preferred choice for complex cases, such as large, incarcerated, or strangulated hernias.

Open hernia surgery does come with certain considerations. The recovery time for patients undergoing this procedure may be somewhat longer compared to those opting for minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, the larger incision used in open surgery can result in a more noticeable scar when compared to the smaller incisions associated with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted methods. 

Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery

Laparoscopic hernia surgery, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open procedures, offers a contemporary and efficient approach to hernia repair. In this method, small incisions are made near the hernia site, allowing for the insertion of a laparoscope—a thin tube equipped with a camera that guides the surgeon throughout the procedure. Once in place, the herniated organ or tissue is carefully repositioned using tiny, specialised tools inserted through other incisions, and the weakened muscle or connective tissue is mended using either stitches or a synthetic mesh.

One distinctive advantage of laparoscopic hernia operations lies in their reduced invasiveness compared to open procedures. The smaller incisions contribute to less tissue disruption, resulting in decreased postoperative pain, a quicker recovery period, and more aesthetically pleasing outcomes with smaller scars. Patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair often experience less discomfort and can resume normal activities sooner than those who opt for open surgery.

While laparoscopic repair is suitable for various hernia types, there may be cases where the hernia specialist will advise an open surgical approach. For instance, laparoscopic surgery could be considered the ideal inguinal hernia treatment, due to the challenging location of the hernia in the groin region.

Robotic hernia repair surgery

Robotic hernia surgery represents an advanced and innovative approach to hernia treatment, offering a high level of precision and enhanced visualisation for surgeons. In this technique, a sophisticated robotic system assists the surgeon in performing the procedure with greater dexterity. Small incisions are made, similar to laparoscopic surgery, and robotic arms controlled by the surgeon manipulate the instruments. The system provides a three-dimensional, magnified view of the surgical site, allowing for meticulous repair of the hernia.

The robotic system’s articulated arms mimic the movements of the surgeon’s hands with increased accuracy, contributing to finer suturing and manipulation of tissues. This can be particularly beneficial for intricate hernia repairs or when dealing with challenging anatomical locations.

As with any surgical approach, the decision to pursue robotic hernia treatment is typically made on a case-by-case basis.

Procedure

Hernia surgery, whether open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted, generally follows a similar sequence of steps designed to repair the weakened or torn muscle or connective tissue causing the hernia. Here’s an overview of the hernia surgery procedure:

Anaesthesia:

Before the surgery begins, the patient is administered anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and do not experience any pain during the procedure. The type of anaesthesia (local, regional, or general) depends on the specific circumstances and the surgical approach chosen.

Incision or Port Placement:

In open hernia surgery, a single, large incision is made directly over the hernia. For laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, several small incisions, or ports, are made near the hernia site to allow access for the surgical instruments and scope with a camera.

Exposure and Hernia Reduction:

In open surgery, the surgeon exposes the hernia by carefully dissecting the tissues. In laparoscopic or robotic-assisted hernia repair surgery, the camera provides a magnified view of the hernia, and the displaced organ or tissue is gently pushed back into place.

Repair of the Hernia:

The weakened muscle, or connective tissue, is then repaired. In open surgery, this may involve stitching the tissues together or reinforcing them with a synthetic mesh. In laparoscopic or robotic-assisted procedures, a mesh is commonly used to strengthen the area, and it is secured in place with sutures, staples, or tacks.

Closure of Incisions:

Once the repair is completed, the incisions are closed. In open surgery, this involves stitching or stapling the incision. In laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, the small incisions are typically closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Recovery

The recovery process after hernia surgery varies depending on the type of hernia surgery and the complexity of the hernia itself. In general, the recovery period is shorter with laparoscopic and robotic hernia surgery. Here’s a general overview:

• Right after surgery: You’ll be monitored in the recovery room for several hours after surgery to ensure stable vital signs and manage any pain. Pain medication will be administered to keep you comfortable.
• First few days at home: Pain and discomfort are common during this initial phase. Focus on resting and getting plenty of sleep to promote healing. You’ll likely be prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort. It’s important to take these medications as directed by your doctor. Your hernia specialist will also provide instructions on incision care, which typically involves keeping the area clean and dry. You’ll likely be restricted to a clear liquid diet for the first day or two, gradually progressing to a bland diet as you tolerate it. 
• Weeks 1-4: Pain should gradually decrease as you heal. You can gradually increase your activity level, but avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-6 kgs. If your job involves physical labour, you’ll likely need to take time off work to recover. For desk jobs, you might be able to return to work within a week or two, depending on your pain level and doctor’s approval.
• Long-term recovery: Most people can resume normal activities, including exercise and recreational activities, within 4-6 weeks of surgery. However, it’s important to continue to avoid lifting heavy objects or straining your abdominal muscles.

Conclusion

Hernia surgery offers a safe and effective solution for repairing hernia and giving relief from symptoms, especially with the advancements in minimally invasive techniques, promising a quick return to your routine. While the chance of recurrence exists, adopting healthy habits like maintaining a proper weight and avoiding strenuous activities can significantly reduce this risk. If you’re experiencing hernia symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a hernia specialist for early diagnosis and treatment.

Disclaimer:

This article has been written for information purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. The author is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information in this article. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and recommendations tailored to your individual health needs.