A hernia is a gap or hole in the tough abdominal tissue. Weakness in this tissue allows organs like intestines to protrude, forming a sac. This condition can lead to pain or complications, necessitating urgent surgery to repair the hernia and prevent further issues. Hernias affect both genders, though they are more common in men.
A ventral hernia occurs in the abdominal region, typically near a surgical scar, which is the location where a surgeon made an incision during a previous operation. Such hernias can also manifest around the navel or any other area on the abdomen.
Dr Amita Jain, who is one of the best hernia repair surgeons in Delhi in the field of laparoscopic surgery explains the procedure in this article.
What are the Causes of Ventral Hernia?
Ventral hernias occur when certain areas of the abdomen weaken. Causes include injury, obesity, or previous abdominal incisions, especially if there was an infection after surgery. Hernias can develop at any age but become more common with age. Activities like frequent coughing or straining during urination or bowel movements can increase the risk.
Ventral hernias come in varying degrees of seriousness, and not all of them necessitate surgical intervention. However, if an organ becomes trapped (incarceration) or its blood supply is compromised (strangulation), emergency surgery is imperative. A surgeon can repair the hernia by either making a single large incision (referred to as “open” surgery) or using multiple small incisions, a technique known as laparoscopic or robotic ventral hernia repair, which falls under minimally invasive surgery. This procedure involves bringing the displaced tissue together and reinforcing the gap with mesh for added strength.
Preparation before surgery
Dr Amita Jain says to take the following precautions before the surgery:
- Quit smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery to lower hernia recurrence and infection risk.
- Stop specific medications (aspirin, blood thinners, Vitamin E) as per surgeon’s advice.
- Shower with antibiotic soap the night before/morning of surgery.
- Follow fasting instructions to ensure empty intestines.
- Take allowed medications on surgery day with a sip of water.
What is The Procedure?
Some of the procedures involved are:
- The procedure begins with the administration of general anaesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
- Instead of a large abdominal incision, the surgeon makes three to four small incisions in the abdomen.
- A narrow tube-like device called a port is then inserted.
- A camera (laparoscope) is then introduced through the port to provide visual guidance.
- The surgeon corrects the hernia, removes scar tissue, repositions muscle tissues, and places a surgical mesh under the hernia to prevent recurrence, securing it with tacks or sutures.
- Additional ports and instruments are used for the procedure, resulting in 3 to 5 small incisions.
- A mesh patch may be employed to reinforce the repair as needed.
What are the Risks involved?
- General anaesthesia poses higher risks for older individuals and those with underlying health issues. Common complications encompass nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, sore throat, and headaches. More severe issues may involve heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and leg blood clots.
- Internal bleeding within the incision is a rare but serious complication of inguinal hernia repair, leading to significant swelling and bluish skin discolouration. Surgical intervention is typically required to address this issue, affecting less than 2% of patients.
- The risk of wound infection, at less than 2%, is higher in older adults and those with complex hernia repairs. Symptoms include fever, incision discharge, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Treatment involves antibiotics and, if necessary, a minor procedure to drain the infection.
- Some people may feel sharp, tingling pain near a healed incision, but it often goes away with time. If the pain persists, medication can be injected into the area for relief.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Repair?
- Quicker recovery: Patients recover faster with less postoperative pain.
- Minimal scarring: Small incisions for cosmetic appeal.
- Reduced infection risk: Smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for hernia repair, as each case is unique. Remember, early intervention and repair can make all the difference in living a comfortable and healthy life.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons and proctologists, known for her unmatched expertise in general, advanced laparoscopic, and laser proctology surgery. With over 30 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her medical specialisation includes: gallbladder surgeries, appendix removal surgeries, hernia repair surgeries, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgeries, fistula surgeries and fissure surgeries.
Dr Jain, currently serves as Senior Consultant and Head of Department (General, Laser, Proctology and Laparoscopic Surgeries) across premier medical networks in South Delhi:
Daffodils by Artemis Hospitals: Spring Meadows, East of Kailash, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Fortis C-DOC Hospital: B-16, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Rosewalk Luxury Multi-Specialty & Maternity Hospital: Panchsheel Park, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Rainbow Children’s Hospital: Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Book Appointment
Learn More about Dr Amita Jain.
Dr Amita Jain has also authored some of the key medical journals and publications, like ResearchGate, IJSR
Note: This article is written and reviewed by Dr Amita Jain, while referring to her medical journals and publications.