A hernia is a weak area or defect in the muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall that allows the contents of abdomen (such as intestines, stomach etc.) to push out, causing a bulge and discomfort. Incisional hernia, also called as ventral hernia, involves the front of abdomen, and occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision. Surgical incision makes the area weak and can cause pushing of abdominal organs to form a bulge in the abdomen.
Symptoms of Incision Hernia
A patient of incisional hernia will present following symptoms:
-
Bulge in the abdominal wall
-
Pain in the abdomen
-
Discomfort
-
Change in bowel habits
Diagnosis of Incision Hernia
Incision hernia can be very well diagnosed on physical examination. It becomes noticeable when the patient does an activity that increases abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing etc. The visibility of a hernia makes it easily diagnosable.
Laparoscopic Incision Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic repair of the incision hernia is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes about 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen. One of the incisions is used to insert a port (nozzle) that fills the carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to inflate it. Now laparoscope is inserted through another incision. A laparoscope is a telescope lookalike with a light and camera on the end. It allows the surgeon to clearly view inside of the abdomen on the monitor outside. After carefully evaluating the inside of abdomen, surgeon inserts other surgical instruments through rest of the incisions to repair the incision hernia. First of all surgeon will have to remove all the intestines that may have become entrapped into the hernia. This is followed by the repair of hernia by placing a soft plastic mesh over the hole (the hernia). The mesh is stapled to the surrounding edge of the abdominal wall. After completing the repair, the carbon dioxide gas is released out, and incisions are closed with sutures or staples, or covered with glue-like bandage.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Incision Hernia Repair
-
Faster recovery
-
Only few hours or overnight hospitalization
-
Sooner return to work
-
Very less pain during and after the procedure
-
Smaller incisions without any cut on abdominal muscles
-
Negligible risks and complications
-
Less chances of wound infection
-
High success rate with more than ninety-percent of symptom free patients after ten years of the procedure
