A hernia is a bulge that develops when the inner organs of the abdominal crater are pushed out through the weakened spot of an abdominal wall. The incisional hernia is the bulge that develops from the previous abdominal surgical scars that cause weakness in the abdominal area. The specific reasons for incisional hernia are people who performed excessive or premature physical activity after surgery, considerable weight gain, being pregnant or excessive pressure on the abdominal before the incision is fully healing. Poor healing of the surgical incisions or excessive pressure on the surgical scars may cause a bulge to develop months or even after years of surgery. During incisional hernia repair, a surgeon for hernia may push the hernia back into the abdominal crater or weakened abdominal wall. This treatment is performed through open surgery or minimal incision laparoscopy surgery. Let’s take a look in depth at open surgery for incisional hernia repair.
A complete guide to open surgery for incisional hernia repair:
A hernia specialist determines incisional hernia repair surgery based on multiple factors such as the patient’s general health, size and location of the hernia, anatomy, and desired level of future physical activity. Usually, open hernia repair surgery is recommended for the following reasons:
- The big and complex size of the hernia
- Cases when laparoscopy surgery is not feasible.
- Patient with previously failed hernia repair surgery.
- Patients who can not tolerate the general anaesthesia.
- Patients who have significant scar tissue.
A hernia specialist recommended open surgery because scar tissues around the previous incision can make it difficult to insert and perform with laparoscopic. Open surgery for incisional hernia also allowed a surgeon for hernia to mesh on either side of the affected abdominal muscles, providing more safe and secure support and stability.
Preoperative preparation for open surgery of incisional hernia repair:
- Medical Evaluation: A hernia specialist examines the medical issues that need to be known prior to the surgery. Depending on the medical condition, age, and social history, the best hernia surgeon in Ahmedabad assesses imaging tests, including CT scan and ultrasound, to determine the size and location of the hernia.
- Lifestyle Changes: A hernia specialist advised the patients to stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. A patient must inform the surgeon for hernia about taking any medications, supplements or vitamins before surgery. Also, patients need to be informed about any allergies to medications, anaesthesia or latex.
- Fasting & Medication Adjustments: Patients must not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours before surgery and need to adjust medications as suggested by the best hernia surgeon in Ahmedabad.
The surgical procedures of incisional hernia repair:
- Anesthesia Administration: In open surgery, the surgeon for hernia first gives either general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia through sedation to the patient.
- Incision: The hernia specialist will make a 5 to 10-cm-long incision over the hernia site to expose the weakened abdominal wall.
- Hernia Sac Reduction: The best hernia surgeon in Ahmedabad carefully pushes the part of the intestine that protrudes back into its normal position.
- Reinforcement With Mesh: In the cases of a large hernia, a hernia specialist may place a mesh patch to strengthen a weak abdominal wall.
- Closure: The skin will be sutured with dissolvable stitches, staples or surgical glue, and dressing will be applied to the wounded area.
Recovery and Postoperative Care Of Open Surgery for Incisional Hernia Repair:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients will stay in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of the condition.
- Pain Management: If patients notice pain, swelling and discomfort in the groin and upper thigh area then pain management and anti-inflammation medications are provided by the hernia specialist as needed.
- Activity Restrictions: Encourages patients to walk as frequently as possible to prevent the risk of blood clots. Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Patients keep avoiding strengthening activities and heavy lifting at least 4-6 weeks after surgery. The best hernia surgeon in Ahmedabad recommended a gradual increase the physical activity over a period.
Risks and Complications of Incisional Hernia Repair:
Incisional hernia repair surgery is generally a safe treatment; however, like any surgery, some risks and complications may happen, such as the following:
- Infection at the incision site or mesh
- Postoperative pain
- Blood or fluid accumulation
- Bleeding
- Anaesthetic reactions
- Recurrence of hernia
- Blood clots
- Injury to surrounding soft-tissue structures or organs
- Chronic pain and nerve damage
Wrapping Up:
Open surgery for incisional hernia repair remains a highly effective option for patients who have complex or large hernias. With proper preoperative care and postoperative care, patients can get a successful recovery and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence. Always consult a hernia specialist to determine the best treatment as per the condition.
