Laparoscopic
Vs. Open Hernia Repair – Which One Is Better?
Hernia repair surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed globally. With the advent of laparoscopy, the scenario when patients were too scared of surgeries is gone. Today, patients are opting for laparoscopic surgery to repair hernias. However, like all surgeries, there are advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair and also a few side effects of laparoscopic hernia repair. To know about these benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair and disadvantages of laparoscopic hernia repair, continue reading.
About Hernias
A hernia is a protrusion of an internal organ through a weak region of muscle wall or tissue. Based on the region of their development, hernias are classified into the following types:
- Inguinal hernias
- Umbilical hernias
- Epigastric hernias
- Incisional hernias
- Hiatal hernias
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact reason behind hernias is unknown. But, according to studies, age, female gender, and hereditary are some non-modifiable factors that trigger the risk of hernias. Likewise, some modifiable risk factors for hernias include smoking, chronic constipation, obesity, persistent cough, and physical exertion.
The Symptoms
A painless lump or swelling is the most common symptom of any type of hernias. Additionally, depending on the type, hernias may also cause the following symptoms:
- Acid reflux
- Chest pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sense of bowel obstructions
- Indigestion
Diagnosis
The patient’s signs and symptoms, family history, social habits, and medical history is reviewed. A physical examination is performed to feel for the bulge at the abdomen or groin region. Additionally, abdominal ultrasound, CT (computerized tomography) scan, and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scan are recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
The Treatment Options
Hernia repair surgery can be done in two ways. They include:
- Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery: It is the most preferred minimally invasive procedure, which involves the insertion of a laparoscope (a thin tube with a tiny camera and light at one end) through a small cut at the affected region to repair the hernia.
- Open or conventional hernia repair surgery: It is a traditional surgery, in which a large incision is made near the herniated region to locate and push back the hernia into the correct place.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has the following benefits over open hernia repair surgery:
- Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery
- Two to three small holes
- Hospital stay -1-2 days
- No or minimal blood loss during surery
- No or minimal risk of post-surgery quicker recovery
- No scars
- Patients can resume activities within 1 week
Open or conventional hernia repair surgery
- One single large incision
- Hospital stay 4-7 days
- Risk of bleeding during the procedure
- Prolonged surgical complications Greater risk of post-surgical complication
- Scar present
- Patients can resume activities in 1-3 weeks
Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery is a much safer approach to ensure positive outcomes. Hence, a majority of patients and doctors prefer a laparoscopic approach to repair hernia.
Dr.
G. Parthasarathy
Sr.
Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Laparoscopic &
Hepato-Pancreaticobiliary Surgery