Know About Different Types of Hernia Repair Approaches

Is hernia causing you great distress? Are you looking for ways to get rid of it? A hernia may not be a life-threatening disorder but can surely be a matter of concern. Hernias result from a tear in the lining, or fascia, beneath the abdominal muscles, allowing the internal contents of intestines to protrude out of the wall. It is basically an abnormal mass of tissue or organ that bulges out from the abdominal wall and resides in it. Hernias are most commonly found in the areas of the upper thigh, groin, abdomen and near the belly button.

Types of Hernia:

There are different types of hernia classified based on the area of occurrence:

1. Inguinal hernia: Commonly found in men in the inner groin area.
2. Ventral hernia: Ventral hernia is found on the abdominal wall.
3. Umbilical Hernia: It occurs in the belly button very close to the navel. Commonly seen in newborn babies or women with multiple children.
4. Epigastric Hernia: This type of hernia is seen in the abdomen between the belly button and the breastbone. Generally affects infants because of the weak abdominal wall.
5. Spigelian Hernia:  Also found in the abdominal area where the intestine is pushed through the outside edges of the rectus abdominis muscle.
6. Incisional Hernia: Experienced in people who have undergone abdominal surgery which results due to overweight & older age.
7. Diastasis Recti: It is a type of epigastric hernia which results from the weakness of the rectus abdominis muscles.

1. What are the Surgical Options to Cure Hernia?

Hernia operations are among the most common procedures performed. It has been found through numerous research studies that abdominal wall hernias are the most common type of hernias affecting around 1.7% people of all ages and 4% for those aged over 45 years.

At Pristyn care, every patient is assessed individually, and treatment plans are specifically designed to address the needs and situation of the patient. If you are looking to undergo a surgical procedure for hernia, here are a few surgical options that can help you get rid of it.

2. Laparoscopic treatment for Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic or minimally invasive, procedures are the most advanced technique used to treat and repair hernias.

• It is a minimally invasive technique where multiple small incisions no more than 1 centimetre in length is made to access the hernia.
• During the procedure, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide. This allows room for the surgeon to work on the hernia.
• After which, the hernia is repaired with a small, flexible device called a laparoscope.
• Sometimes the surgeon uses a 3D BARD Mesh to secure and reinforce the hernia.

Advantages

• Minimally invasive technique
• Reduced risk of wound infection
• Typically produces less scarring and postoperative pain
• Shorter postoperative hospital stay length
• Faster return to normal activities
• Risks of complications and recurrence rate are negligible

3. Open Approach for Hernia Repair

Open Hernia repair procedure has been around and in use for a long time. The procedure is ideally suited for patients with large or multiple hernias or those who have undergone previous abdominal surgery.

• In an open approach for hernia repair, the surgeon makes a single incision to open the abdomen and access the hernia.
• The hernia is then repaired using a mesh to secure and reinforce the hernia.

Advantages:

• It repairs the hernia with less chance of recurrence
• Less postoperative pain
• Reduced risk of complications
• The better long term quality of life

Disadvantage:

• A scar tissue in the abdomen is formed that can make minimally invasive operations difficult or even dangerous to perform.

4. Reconstructive Surgery for Hernia Repair

Abdominal wall reconstruction is carried out to restore the structural and functional integrity of the abdominal muscles. The formation of complex hernias can weaken the abdominal wall. Reconstructive surgery helps repair the defects in the abdominal walls and reduce the abdominal tension by providing structural support. The surgery often requires a component separation that helps bring back the muscles edges together which has been formed by the hernial gap.

Advantages:

• Most Suited for patients with an incisional hernia, recurrent hernias, and who have had unsuccessful hernia repair operations
• Help treat any open wounds in the abdominal wall
• Reinforce the integrity of the muscles
• Restructure the tissues.

Disadvantages:

• Invasive procedure
• Chances of infection
• Postoperative pain
• Blood loss

5. Mesh for Hernia Repair

Hernia repair with surgical mesh is an increasingly popular technique. The technique utilizes a surgical mesh which provides additional support to weakened or damaged tissue.

Advantages:

• It helps strengthen the hernia repair and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Improves the outcome of hernia repair.

Depending upon your case, a mesh may be required or may not be. Try asking your doctor about mesh and its use.