Abdominal Wall Hernia Surgery
What Is Abdominal Hernia Surgery?
Abdominal hernia surgery is a common procedure aimed at repairing the hernia and preventing further complications.
This surgery involves the following steps:
General/Spinal Anesthesia: The patient is put to sleep to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision: The surgeon makes one large incision or multiple tiny incisions near the affected area to access the hernia.
Reducing the Hernia: The bulging tissue is pushed back to its original position.
Repairing the Hernia Defect: The surgeon closes the hole in the muscle and connective tissue where the hernia occurred using sutures.
Reinforcing with Mesh: A mesh material is placed to reinforce the abdominal muscles, adding extra support to prevent future hernias.
Some abdominal hernias can be repaired with outpatient surgery, allowing the patient to go home the same day. More complex hernias may require a longer procedure and a short hospital stay.
About Abdominal Hernias
An abdominal hernia, also known as ventral, incisional, or flank hernia, occurs when part of the intestines or fatty tissue pushes through weakened muscles and connective tissue in the abdominal wall. This condition can arise due to consistent strain or pressure, such as from coughing, which weakens the abdominal muscles over time.
Types of Abdominal Hernias:
Incisional Hernia: Occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.
Flank Hernia: Appears on the left or right side of the abdomen, causing a bulge.
Parastomal Hernia: Develops around an ostomy site, potentially causing an obstruction.
Spigelian Hernia: A rare hernia on the side of the abdomen.
Umbilical Hernia: Occurs when part of the intestine or fat tissue pushes through the muscle near the belly button.
Diastasis Recti and Hernias After Pregnancy
After pregnancy, a condition called diastasis recti (widening of the rectus muscles) can develop, leading to a bulge in the abdomen. This may sometimes be accompanied by a small umbilical hernia. In some cases, a hernia may develop along the incision from a cesarean section.
While many diastases improve over time, some may require surgical repair. Typically, these repairs are done after family planning is complete and may involve a tummy tuck procedure (panniculectomy).
Minimally Invasive Abdominal Hernia Repair
Dr. BharatKumar Chaudhary and his team stay at the forefront of hernia care advances, employing leading-edge surgical techniques. Depending on the case, the surgeon may choose traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques for hernia repair.
Minimally Invasive Techniques:
Laparoscopic Surgery: Uses high-tech instruments and small incisions to repair the hernia.
Robotic Surgery: Another advanced technique utilizing robotic tools for precise hernia repair.
Minimally invasive hernia repair offers several benefits, including reduced scarring, quicker recovery, and less postoperative pain.
Abdominal Hernia Surgery Recovery
Post-surgery, patients are closely monitored to ensure proper healing and overall health. The recovery and rehabilitation process is designed to encourage healthy habits and reduce the risk of recurrence. This follow-up care can extend up to two years, involving regular check-ups and guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery Tips:
Follow the surgeon's instructions for wound care and activity levels.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period.
Maintain a healthy diet and weight to support healing.
Engage in light exercises as recommended by the healthcare provider to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Conclusion
Abdominal wall hernia surgery is a vital procedure for repairing hernias and preventing complications. With the expertise of Dr. BharatKumar Chaudhary and his team, patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs. From diagnosis to recovery, the focus is on utilizing advanced surgical techniques, whether traditional or minimally invasive, to ensure the best outcomes. By following the recommended recovery plan and adopting healthy habits, patients can significantly reduce the risk of future hernias and enjoy a better quality of life.