Surgical Treatments for Hernia Patients

A hernia develops when there is a weakness or hole in the muscular wall (the peritoneum), which generally holds abdominal organs in place. This condition creates a protruding bulge in the area, as a hernia allows your organs and tissues to push through. Hernias can be found in the groin, stomach, and upper thigh areas. This condition is classified into five different types: inguinal, hiatal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional. Unfortunately, the only treatment necessary for a majority of hernias is surgery.

Hernias can be fixed through two different operations, listed below:

• Open Surgery: This is a traditional operation where an incision is made near the bulge, to repair the hernia.
• Laparoscopic surgery: An innovative surgery, known as a minimally invasive operation for hernia repair, laparoscopic surgery involves two to four small incisions into the stomach, so that the doctor can place an instrument and camera inside. The patient’s abdomen is inflated with gas to provide additional space for the surgeon to work. Using technology and specialized instruments, the surgeon is able to repair hernias as the camera inside is connected to a television screen that is viewed during  the surgery. Additionally, the camera provides the doctor with a look from the inside. Once the surgery is done, the gas is removed, and the patient’s stomach is deflated. This type of operation takes less recovery time than open surgery.