Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted in two high-level medical institutions in Colombia. The researchers looked at how surgeries to fix ventral hernias (a type of abdominal hernia) were carried out over a two-year period. Two different surgical approaches were used: the Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) approach, and the Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) approach.

In total, 59 surgeries were studied - 41 were done using TAPP and 18 were done using TEP. Out of all these cases, only 7 complications arose, including one recurrence of the hernia, one case of chronic pain, and three complications related to the Dindo-Clavien classification (a way of measuring surgical complications).

The researchers concluded that the TEP method is becoming more popular because it avoids the surgical mesh from contacting with the intestines, which potentially reduces complications. Furthermore, this method also has good outcomes and is less expensive.

FAQs

  1. What two methods of hernia repair were studied in this research paper?
  2. What were the complications that arose during these hernia repair surgeries?
  3. Why is the TEP method becoming more popular for hernia repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent future hernias from developing.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are recommended for hernia repair are those who are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a visible bulge in the affected area. The decision to undergo hernia repair surgery is usually based on factors such as the size and location of the hernia, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and the presence of any complications such as obstruction or strangulation of the hernia.

Patients who have a ventral hernia, such as the ones studied in the research paper, may be recommended for surgery if the hernia is causing symptoms or if it is at risk of becoming incarcerated or strangulated. In these cases, surgery is often the best option to prevent further complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and medical history with a healthcare provider to determine if hernia repair surgery is the best course of action for their individual case. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hernia repair surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized recommendations based on the patient’s specific circumstances.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia, such as a bulge or pain in the abdominal area
  • Consultation with a healthcare provider to determine the need for surgery
  • Preoperative assessment and preparation, including medical history review and physical examination
  • Discussion of surgical options and risks with the healthcare provider
  • Consent for surgery signed by the patient

After hernia repair:

  • Surgery is performed using either the TAPP or TEP approach
  • Postoperative recovery in the hospital for a few days
  • Pain management and monitoring for any complications
  • Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to assess healing and remove any stitches or staples
  • Gradual return to normal activities and exercise as advised by the healthcare provider
  • Monitoring for any signs of recurrence or complications in the long term

Overall, the patient’s experience before and after hernia repair involves a series of steps to diagnose, treat, and recover from the surgery, with the goal of ultimately resolving the hernia and improving the patient’s quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hernia repair include:

  1. What type of hernia do I have and what are my treatment options?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of the TAPP and TEP approaches for hernia repair?
  3. How experienced are you in performing hernia repair surgeries, particularly using the TAPP or TEP approach?
  4. What is the success rate of hernia repair surgeries using the TAPP and TEP approaches in your practice?
  5. What is the recovery process like after hernia repair surgery using the TAPP or TEP approach?
  6. What are the potential complications I should be aware of after hernia repair surgery using the TAPP or TEP approach?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make before or after hernia repair surgery?
  8. How long will it take for me to fully recover and return to normal activities after hernia repair surgery using the TAPP or TEP approach?
  9. What follow-up care will I need after hernia repair surgery using the TAPP or TEP approach?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available for my hernia?

Reference

Authors: Ruíz J, Barrios A, Lora A, Vega V, Florez G, Mendivelso F. Journal: Hernia. 2019 Oct;23(5):909-914. doi: 10.1007/s10029-019-01904-0. Epub 2019 Mar 22. PMID: 30903515