
Hernias are very common and can become so serious that the symptoms can make it difficult to eat, sleep and enjoy life or keep up with daily or pressing obligations due to the pain and discomfort they cause. Though hernias are not always painful, they can develop without symptoms. If you experience nausea, abdominal pain, acid reflux or painful pulling or tightening sensations that seem relentless no matter how you move, it’s a good idea to get a formal diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
Upon receiving a hernia diagnosis, you may find yourself contemplating potential repair solutions. Just the thought of having surgery may be unpleasant but in many cases, it’s the best way to put an end to the pain, discomfort and challenges associated with hernias. Consider the following hernia treatment options and give us a call to discuss what’s best for you.
Common Hernia Treatment Options
Traditional Abdominal or Hernia Surgery: Open hernia repair surgery involves the use of large incisions across the groin or abdominal area. Incisions are dependent on hernia location or type. The herniated or bulging portion of the intestines are rearranged back into the proper position in the abdomen. The opening is then reinforced with a surgical mesh or sutures. Open surgery is an effective hernia repair solution and is often recommended for patients with multiple or extremely large abdominal wall bulges or excessive abdominal tissue scarring or adhesions. Yet, it is the most invasive procedure that has a lengthy recovery period and more post-operative restrictions than alternative and less invasive hernia treatment options.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: Laparoscopic hernia repair is performed using smaller incisions on the patient. The incisions are placed in close proximity to the hernia so there is a smaller surgical area to work to help reduce postoperative pain and discomfort. Mesh is used to reinforce the abdominal wall along with surgical glue to seal the incisions.
Thanks to advancements in medical science, surgeons no longer have to rely solely on huge incisions to repair hernias. Patient pre-operative and post-operative care advisements are not as extensive as open abdominal wall surgery. Healing and recovery times are noticeably less, patients often are often feeling back to normal within a few days to weeks, and many safely resume their normal activities within a few weeks. Also, the risk of complications is much lower due to the use of laparoscopic and less invasive surgical practices.
Robotic-Assisted Hernia Repair: Robotic-assisted treatment for hernias is extremely more precise than laparoscopic or other procedures. It is extremely similar to laparoscopic surgery, but the surgeon performs the procedure utilizing the da Vinci Surgical System. This advanced state-of-the-art system allows the surgeon to make even smaller incisions and more precise maneuvers to access the bulging portion of the intestine and push it back into place. Robotic-assisted surgery is so precise that patients experience less trauma and fewer side effects, quicker recoveries, and better results.
Abdominal Wall or Hernia Reconstruction: There are cases where hernias are too big or complex to repair utilizing open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgeries. Hernias this severe do not respond well or long-term to standard repair methods or mesh. Mesh and sutures help strengthen the weakened abdominal wall, but they are not strong enough to prevent future hernias from occurring because the separated edges of the abdominal wall or muscles are too far apart, or the opening is too large. To correct the problem, revisions and component separations are necessary to bridge and reinforce the gaps so the wall can be closed.
Risks of Not Having Hernia Surgery
Ventral, hiatal, and inguinal hernias should not go untreated. The dangers of untreated hernias include nausea, stomach or abdominal pain, tenderness, vomiting, heartburn, trouble swallowing, bowel movement and flatulence issues. Severe hernias can trap the bulging portion of the affected appendage and cause the contents of the stomach or intestine to leak into the body or prevent adequate blood flow. Hernia bulges can also become so big and complex that some patients develop body image concerns as well.
When considering hernia treatment options, keep in mind that all options require some type of downtime. Currently, the fastest and least invasive solution is robot hernia repair surgery. Each treatment comes with unique risks and benefits for patients who qualify. Some methods are not viable for all who are interested. A medical evaluation and consultation are necessary for a personalized hernia treatment plan.
Hernia Repair Treatment Options
Hernia repair surgery is the most common and effective way to resolve hernia and abdominal wall separations, but it is not without risks. Patients should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each solution so they can make well-informed decisions regarding their care. To determine the most beneficial hernia repair surgery for your situation, call Orange County Robotic General Surgery at (714) 541-4996 to discuss your medical history and hernia concerns with Dr. Abtin Khosravi, M.D.
Contact Us
To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.