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What is a hernia?
Every year over 600,000 men and women are diagnosed with a weakness
or tear in the the wall of the abdomen, referred to as a "hernia."
A hernia has often been compared to a defect in a tire. The outside
of the tire is like the layers of tissue surrounding your abdomen,
while the inner tube is like the thin inner lining of the abdomen.
When there is a weakness or tear in the wall of the abdomen, fatty
tissue or part of the intestine may push against the lining of
the abdomen much like an inner tube might bulge or extrude from
an opening in a tire.
Although most hernias are caused by a congenital weakness, which
means a weakness that one was born with, hernias may also be acquired.
Acquired hernias may be caused by surgery, lifting of heavy objects,
extreme weight gain, straining to defecate, or persistent coughing.
Whether your hernia is congenital or acquired, surgery is currently
the only way to repair a hernia. In some cases a hernia may cause
only slight discomfort, whereas in other cases a hernia may block
digestion and cause severe pain requiring immediate medical attention. |
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What you should know if your doctor has recommended laparoscopic
hernia repair for your hernia:
A laparoscope is a tiny telescope attached to a camera that allows
your doctor to identify and repair your hernia while watching
it on a video screen. Laparoscopic surgery has been used successfully
for many years. |
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What are the benefits?
The benefits of the less invasive laparoscopic hernia repair over
traditional open surgery for hernia repair are that laparoscopic
hernia repair requires only 3 or 4 tiny openings, each 1/4 to
1/2 inch in diameter, instead of the traditional 3- to 5-inch
incision. As a result, patients experience much less post-operative
pain, heal faster, and many are able to resume normal activities
in 1-2 days compared to 3 to 5 weeks.
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What happens during surgery?
One incision will be near your navel and the other two will be
made in your lower abdomen. The laparoscope and other instruments
will be inserted through these incisions. Your doctor may also
use a balloon dissector device which will be inflated to create
a space outside the abdominal cavity. Once the balloon dissector
has been removed the space will then be inflated with carbon dioxide
to keep open a working space during your hernia repair.
While viewing the video monitor your doctor will locate your hernia
with the laparoscope and through the use of a strong piece of
mesh or some other method of reinforcement will secure the weakened
area. These reinforcements will be attached with staples, clips,
or sutures, all of which will remain harmlessly in your body.
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What else can I expect?
Although laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, some tenderness
and discomfort is normal, however, if you experience a fever,
redness, bleeding, testicular swelling or pain, increasing abdominal
pain, nausea, or vomiting contact your doctor.
Laparoscopic surgical repair is an excellent choice for the prompt
repair of many hernias. This less invasive approach to hernia
repair allows you to get back sooner to the active life that you
enjoy.
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You should discuss the potential risks and benefits of all treatment
options with a doctor so you can be fully informed prior to the
treatment.
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