The difference between laparoscopic and open hernia surgery
While open hernia surgery is more invasive and involves operating on the hernia through a long incision in the abdomen, laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive approach. It uses a number of very small incisions, tiny instruments and a camera to visualize and repair the hernia. Although laparoscopic hernia repair leads to a quicker recovery time and less post-operative pain, it’s not appropriate in all cases.
For example, if the hernia is very large, the patient is obese, or there is an inability to visualize the internal organs using a minimally invasive approach, open hernia surgery may be the safest and most effective option. During your initial appointment with our experts, we will advise on which procedure will best resolve your specific condition and prevent a recurrence.
Overview of the procedure
To begin open hernia surgery, our experts will administer either general or local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. From there, we will make a single long incision in the area of the hernia, usually in the abdomen or near the groin. If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall, the herniated tissues will be pushed back into place. If the hernia occurs in the inguinal canal, the hernia sac will either be pushed back or tied off and removed.
From there, we will repair the weak area in the muscle wall where the hernia occurred. Traditionally, we will perform this repair by using sutures to sew the edges of healthy muscle tissue together. However, in some cases this method of repair will lead to added stress and tension on the affected tissues, which may cause a recurrence. For that reason, we will typically only use sutures to repair very small or congenital hernias.
If our experts determine that sutures will not lead to an optimal surgical outcome, we will instead apply a mesh patch over the defect to strengthen the abdominal wall and allow the tissues to heal in a tension-free environment. We will typically use this option to repair very large and recurring hernias, as it decreases tension on the weakened wall and reduces the risk of a recurrence.
Recovery period
Immediately following open hernia surgery, our experts will prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection, as well as pain medication to help manage any post-operative discomfort. In most cases, patients are able to return home the very same day to heal.
During recovery, patients are advised to avoid straining during bowel movements by increasing their fiber intake and drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water each day. To prevent a blood clot from forming, patients should make sure they stand up and walk every hour or so while the wound heals.
The length of recovery and the severity of the pain will be proportionate to the size of the hernia and the complexity of the procedure. However, most initial recovery periods last approximately three weeks. At that point, most patients can resume their normal activities, including driving, sexual intercourse and light exercise. At six weeks, patients can resume more strenuous activity.
Consultation process
If you suspect you have a hernia, or you have a protruding bulge near the groin or abdomen, it is important to seek immediate evaluation at the Los Angeles Hernia Center. Untreated hernias can lead to irreversible damage and the development of life-threatening complications, so time is of the essence. During your initial appointment, our team of surgeons will evaluate your symptoms and provide a definitive diagnosis. From there, we will compose a custom surgical plan to repair your hernia and prevent a recurrence using the most comfortable and minimally invasive techniques available. With years of experience and countless successful procedures, our surgeons have developed a reputation for delivering among the best hernia surgery Beverly Hills has to offer.
Our facility
We specialize in performing complete hernia surgery and repair, using the latest and most minimally invasive techniques available. Moreover, our staff is comprised of two leading hernia experts, both of whom are fully committed to providing our patients with the best hernia repair Los Angeles has available. All procedures are performed in our surgical care center, which is a private alternative to a hospital setting. Because hernia repair is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, hospitalization simply is not necessary. As such, many patients prefer to undergo treatment in our state-of-the-art facility, which offers an added level of privacy, convenience, and comfort.
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