If you have a hernia, you should know that it will never get better by itself. You probably need surgery to repair a hernia. If not fixed, hernias will get bigger over time, and likely cause serious health problems. Although there are other ways of diagnosing a hernia, the permanent treatment is surgery.
Before a surgeon recommends the right type of surgery, he/she should consider the size and kind of a hernia. Here are the two significant types of hernia surgeries.
Laparoscopic surgery
This type of hernia surgery is like other laparoscopic procedures. During this procedure, an illuminated scope known as a laparoscope penetrates the incision. The instruments to repair the hernia are pushed through in the lower abdomen. This type of process uses a mesh which is placed over the weak part to reinforce the wall.
Open hernia surgery
This type of hernia treatment involves opening of the skin and fat over a hernia. Once located, the surgeon will place a mesh on the hole in the muscle. The surface is then closed at the top covering the affected area. The best thing with an open hernia surgery is that it's ideal for all hernias; umbilical, ventral, inguinal, and femoral.
Are there advantages of laparoscopic or open hernia surgery?
Ironically, the advantages of one approach are the disadvantages of the other. The benefits of either, therefore, depend on aspects relevant to you. Laparoscopic, for instance, is less painful and the patient gets back to normal activities within a short time compared to open hernia surgery. Laparoscopic surgery, however, is more expensive than open hernia surgery. It is important to note that laparoscopic surgery involves general anaesthesia. The best type of hernia surgery in Hampshire, therefore, depends on recovery, anaesthesia, cost and pain.
Are open hernia surgeons similar to laparoscopic surgeons?
No, the truth is all hernia surgeons can perform open hernia surgery, but only a few can perform laparoscopic operations. Laparoscopic surgeons are specially trained, skilled and accredited. Before you hire a hernia surgeon, make sure that he/she is qualified for your preferred type of hernia treatment.
How well can I prepare for hernia surgery?
Besides choosing the best hernia surgeon, there are other preparations you need to know. Among the preoperative preparations include medical evaluation, blood work, and chest X-ray. The next step is to understand the benefits and risks of the hernia surgery.
The patient is also advised to watch their diet. A day before the operation, the patient should not eat or drink anything except any medication recommended by the surgeon.
How about hernia surgery recovery?
The recovery time of a hernia operation depends on the type of a hernia and surgical procedure used to repair it. The patient might experience discomfort for the first few days in a hospital bed. The patient, however, can recover and go back to their work at least two weeks after the surgery.
These are some of the things you may not have known about hernia repair. If performed by a professional surgeon, then you are assured of a successful hernia repair.
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