Our Summary

This research is about the best ways to treat a type of hernia called a ventral or incisional hernia using laparoscopic surgery (a type of surgery where small incisions are made and a camera is used to guide the surgery) in India. A group of 14 surgery experts met and discussed the different techniques and came to an agreement on the best methods.

They recommended a range of techniques, but highlighted two in particular. The first one is called “intraperitoneal onlay mesh” (IPOM) which involves placing a mesh inside the body to support the area where the hernia is. This method is recommended for a specific type of belly button hernia that is smaller than 4 cm, for hernias that are symptomatic, or for hernias in people with a high body mass index (BMI).

The second method, “extraperitoneal repair,” is recommended for certain types of hernias that are smaller than 4 cm.

By agreeing on these best methods, the experts hope to standardize the way these hernias are treated in India, improve decision making, and provide guidance for surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What is the research about regarding hernia repair in India?
  2. What are the two recommended methods for treating ventral or incisional hernias according to the research?
  3. What are the specific cases where the “intraperitoneal onlay mesh” (IPOM) and “extraperitoneal repair” methods are recommended?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, taking prescribed pain medication as needed, and gently moving around to prevent blood clots. It is important to follow up with your doctor for any concerns or complications that may arise during the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair include those with ventral or incisional hernias that are smaller than 4 cm, symptomatic hernias, and hernias in individuals with a high BMI. These patients may benefit from laparoscopic surgery techniques such as intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) or extraperitoneal repair.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or bulging in the affected area
  • Patient may undergo physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose the hernia
  • Patient may be advised to make lifestyle changes to reduce strain on the hernia
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms

After hernia repair:

  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic surgery using the recommended techniques
  • Patient is monitored closely post-surgery for any complications
  • Patient may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the surgical area
  • Patient is advised to follow post-operative care instructions, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities
  • Patient may gradually resume normal activities as recommended by the surgeon
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and recovery

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. Why do you recommend a specific type of surgery (such as laparoscopic surgery) for my hernia?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the recommended surgical procedure?
  4. How long will the recovery process take and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  6. How many hernia repair surgeries have you performed using the recommended technique?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my hernia?
  8. What is the success rate of the recommended surgical procedure for my specific type of hernia?
  9. Will I need to have any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should make to prevent future hernias?

Reference

Authors: Chowbey P, Wadhawan R, Subramanian D, Bhandarkar D, Gandhi J, Kumari KL, Baijal M, Khetan M, Kathalagiri MS, Khandelwal P, Lal P, Dasgupta P, Balachandran P, Dave S, Baig SJ, Soni V. Journal: Hernia. 2024 Oct;28(5):1511-1523. doi: 10.1007/s10029-024-03062-4. Epub 2024 May 9. PMID: 38722399