HERNIA
When an internal content of the abdomen, be it an intestine or organ leaves its original position and comes out through a defect or weak spot in the sheath/ muscle of the abdominal wall containing it, it causes a swelling in that particular area. This swelling is called a hernia
Symptoms of a Hernia
Heaviness or dragging sensation: Most of the hernias, initially present as if there is a pulling or dragging sensation or discomfort in the respective areas of the hernia e.g. groin. It draws attention to that area and a small swelling might be noticed.
Swelling: This swelling may start as a small swelling, but may gradually increase in size. At first, in the initial months, the swelling will appear and disappear by itself, without you doing anything.
But as days or years go by, the swelling might require pressure from outside to make it disappear (reduce) into the abdominal cavity. This means that the hernia contents (Omentum etc.) have increased in size and are not able to reduce by themselves. External pressure will help to reduce the contents back into the abdominal cavity.
Frequently asked questions
Although laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and requires small incisions it is not minor surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is major surgery with the potential for major complications including bleeding and injury to the visceral organs, GI tract and bladder.
Laparoscopic surgeries require small incisions and are minimally invasive so the recovery time is typically less than surgeries performed through traditional methods. Patients can go home after doctors have checked for any side effects and the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.
After patients are discharged from the hospital, they undergo recovery at home. Keeping a few things in mind will ensure fast and proper recovery after laparoscopy:
(i) Avoid alcohol, fast food and driving for 1 to 2 days after the surgery
(ii) Ensure you are on bed rest for at least 3 days
(iii) You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery but steri-strips should be removed 2-3 days after the surgery
(iv) You can resume bathing a few hours after the surgery
Typically laparoscopic surgery uses two to four small incisions of half an inch or less.
Laparoscopy used to diagnose a condition can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes. Laparoscopic surgery used to treat conditions can take longer depending on the type of surgery.