Are you feeling a bit anxious about your upcoming hernia surgery? It’s completely normal to have questions and concerns. Let’s talk about some important questions you can ask your surgeon to help ease your mind and ensure you’re fully prepared for the procedure.
Dr Amita Jain, who is one of the leading laparoscopic and general surgeons in the field of hernia is here to guide you with those important questions that you must ask your surgeon before the surgery.
What is Hernia?
A hernia commonly occurs in the abdomen or groin when an organ protrudes through the surrounding muscle or tissue. This often manifests as a noticeable bulge that may appear intermittently, depending on activity or position. While some hernias remain asymptomatic, others can cause discomfort or pain. Surgical intervention is typically required for most hernias in order to repair the affected area.
Do I really need hernia surgery now, or can it wait?
Whether or not you need hernia surgery depends on how bad your symptoms are. If your hernia is causing a lot of problems and getting in the way of your daily life, it’s best to get surgery sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could lead to serious complications like the tissue getting trapped or its blood supply being cut off, which can be really dangerous. Hernias don’t go away on their own, so surgery is the only way to fix them. If your symptoms aren’t too bad, you might be able to wait, but it’s important to talk to your doctor and make a plan that’s right for you.
Out of the many options available today, which surgical method will be best for me?
Before undergoing hernia surgery, your doctor will carefully conduct a comprehensive assessment of your medical history, the specific type, location, and size of your hernia, as well as your overall health condition. Typically, surgeons weigh between conventional open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. While each case may vary, laparoscopic surgery is more effective as it has faster recovery time and reduced post-operative pain.
What happens during the two types of surgery?
The doctor will explain clearly that during hernia repair surgery, two main methods are used: open and laparoscopic.
In open surgery, doctors make one long incision to access the hernia, then they put the protruding tissue back and reinforce the weak spot with stitches or mesh.
Laparoscopic hernia surgery involves three small cuts. A camera is inserted to see the hernia. Gas fills the abdomen for visibility. Instruments then repair the hernia with mesh.
What are the risks associated with the surgery?
Depending upon the size of the hernia and the complexity of the surgery, bruising, or infection and bleeding at the incision site may occur. Problems with urinating if the hernia was in the groin. Accumulation of fluid, called a seroma, at the prior site of the hernia.
Is general anaesthesia used for hernia surgery?
In the case of open surgery, local anaesthesia is used. But, the laparoscopic method requires general anaesthesia as the procedure causes respiratory changes for which proper ventilation control is needed which can be achieved under general anaesthesia only.
Do I need to stay at the hospital after the surgery?
In case of open surgery, you are expected to stay for 1 to 2 days. But it depends upon the patient’s overall health, type and size of the hernia, and any complications that may arise during or after the procedure.
For laparoscopic surgeries, patients can return home the same day, provided they have a family member or a friend to accompany them.
It is essential to ask your surgeon important questions before hernia surgery. Assessing the urgency and understanding surgical methods, risks, anaesthesia, and post-operative care ensures informed decision-making, leading to successful outcomes and smoother recovery.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita 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 areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
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