When your doctor diagnosis you with a hernia and recommends a hernia surgery, you might feel a little frightened or weary. You’re going to have a lot of questions, and this is to be expected.
A hernia occurs when one of your organs or fatty tissue pushes its way through the muscle or tissue that surrounds it. The five major types of hernia include inguinal, incisional, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal.
One of your first questions might be about how long the actual surgery takes. Of course, this depends on a few factors, including the type of surgical procedure. We’ll start there:
What Are the Types of Surgical Procedures for a Hernia Repair?
Most hernia repairs will be done by either a traditional “open” surgery or laparoscopically. The recommended type of surgical procedure depends on a few factors, including:
- Size of the hernia
- Location of the hernia
- The extent of damage done by the hernia
- Preference
- Overall health
Both surgeries require the patient to be placed under anesthesia and require the use of a breathing tube. Here’s a closer look at the two types of available surgery:
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is the least invasive surgery offered for hernia repair. The surgeon makes three small incisions of around half an inch each and inserts a camera called a laparoscope, so the surgeon can see the hernia on a screen.
The surgeon might opt to use a robotic device. This device makes it easier for the surgeon to see the hernia and affects more delicate repairs with precision. It helps your surgery go more smoothly.
Being very careful to avoid the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels near the hernia, the surgeon removes the hernia sac. The next step is to place mesh over the location where the organ or fatty tissue pushed its way through.
Staples are placed to hold the mesh in place to ensure another hernia can’t easily break through the area. The small incisions are closed after the camera and other scopes are removed from the area.
Although laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, there are times when it can’t be used to repair a hernia. Some factors in this determination of whether laparoscopic surgery is a viable option. In some cases, the surgeon might need to switch from laparoscopic surgery to a traditional one in the middle of the procedure. These factors include:
- Obesity
- Excess scar tissue from previous injuries or surgeries
- The surgeon is unable to get a clear field to see the hernia
- Bleeding issues that arise during the procedure
Your doctor will discuss the possibility of switching methods during the procedure. If it becomes necessary, the surgeon will always do what is necessary to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Traditional “Open” Surgery
Traditional “open” surgery is the more invasive of the two options. To begin, the surgeon cuts into your skin close to the hernia. In some cases, the surgeon might use a robotic device to do the cutting and surgery, which increases the precision of the surgery.
The surgeon identifies the hernia sac and gently pushes it back into place. Next, the surgeon will strengthen the barrier that was breached by the organ or fatty tissue with mesh. The mesh is affixed to the area using staples. This reinforcement of the muscle or connective tissue is meant to avoid further hernias. Afterward, the surgeon will stitch the original incision closed.
This is a very simple outline of the traditional open surgeon. Each case is different. Your surgeon may need to do additional things during your surgery.
How Long Does Hernia Surgery Take?
Of course, the actual time it takes to complete your hernia surgery depends on the type of hernia, its size, and any possible complications. It also depends on the type of procedure, such as laparoscopic or traditional “open” surgery. Most hernia surgeries last between 45 minutes and two hours.
Since you’ll be waking up from general anesthesia, you won’t want to hop right out of bed. So how long does it take for you to get to go home? Hernia surgery is typically done as either inpatient or outpatient surgery. It can also be performed in a hospital or surgical suite at a medical practice.
Most patients who receive laparoscopic surgery as an outpatient are about to leave within two to three hours of the completion of their surgery. The doctor will want to ensure that your pain is managed and that you’re responsive enough to go home. In some cases, you might need to perform a bodily function, such as urinate before you can leave.
If you’re receiving inpatient hernia surgery, you’re probably having the traditional “open” surgery done in a hospital. Your doctor will probably want to keep at least overnight. However, it’s possible that it might take two to three days before you’re cleared to go home.
If there was a complication during your surgery or the surgery was switched from laparoscopic to traditional surgery, you might find yourself staying in the hospital at least overnight. Your doctor will want to make sure that your pain is properly managed, and you’ve recovered enough to rest at home without medical intervention.
When it comes to any kind of major surgery, the quoted time for the procedure is a guideline. There are many factors that can cause your hernia surgery to run over two hours. It might even take a few minutes less than 45 if things go smoothly.
It’s essential that your doctor takes the time that they need to properly perform the hernia surgery. When surgeries become too routine or are rushed, there’s a chance of further complications.
You want to find a doctor that puts your interests and health first. It’s also in your best interest to work with a surgeon that you feel comfortable. At Orange County Robotic General Surgery, our surgeon has the skill and experience to perform your hernia surgery.
As you prepare for hernia surgery, our team is ready to help make the process easier for you. If you have any more questions, please contact us.
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.