Our Summary

This study looked at two different types of surgery to fix a type of hernia called a sliding hernia. The two types of surgeries are called laparoscopic and Lichenstein. The study looked at how many patients had complications after surgery and whether they needed to have more surgery because the hernia came back.

The researchers looked at data from male patients who had hernia surgery between 2010 and 2017 in Denmark. They found that out of more than 32,000 hernia surgeries, about 13.5% were for sliding hernias. They found no difference in post-surgery complications between sliding and non-sliding hernias. However, patients who had the Lichenstein surgery had a slightly higher chance of minor complications compared to those who had laparoscopic surgery.

Overall, about 3.1% of patients needed to have more surgery because the hernia came back, but this was more likely in patients with sliding hernias, especially those who had the Lichenstein surgery.

The researchers concluded that both types of surgeries are safe for treating sliding hernias, though the laparoscopic method had a slightly lower risk of the hernia coming back.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgeries were examined in this study for hernia repair?
  2. Did the study find any difference in post-surgery complications between sliding and non-sliding hernias?
  3. According to the study, which type of surgery had a slightly higher chance of needing a repeat surgery for sliding hernias?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing hernia repair surgery to discuss with their surgeon the different types of procedures available, such as laparoscopic and Lichenstein, and to consider the potential risks and benefits of each. They may also recommend following post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications and to ensure proper healing. Additionally, the patient should be aware of the signs of hernia recurrence and notify their doctor if they experience any symptoms.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended hernia repair include those with symptomatic hernias that cause pain, discomfort, or other complications. In this study, specifically, patients with sliding hernias were included in the analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for this type of hernia. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for hernia repair.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected area.
  2. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as physical examination, ultrasound, or CT scan to confirm the presence of a hernia.
  3. Patient may receive advice from their healthcare provider on treatment options, including surgery.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes hernia repair surgery, either laparoscopic or Lichenstein.
  2. Patient may experience some pain and discomfort immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is typically discharged from the hospital on the same day or within a few days, depending on the type of surgery.
  4. Patient may need to follow specific post-operative instructions, including restrictions on physical activity and lifting heavy objects.
  5. Patient may experience some minor complications such as infection or swelling at the surgical site.
  6. Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery.
  7. Patient may need to undergo additional surgery if the hernia comes back, especially if they had a sliding hernia or Lichenstein surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of hernia do I have and what are the differences between laparoscopic and Lichenstein surgery for repairing it?

  2. What are the potential complications of each type of surgery and how likely are they to occur?

  3. How long is the recovery time for each type of surgery and what can I expect during the recovery process?

  4. What are the success rates for each type of surgery in terms of preventing the hernia from coming back?

  5. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may impact which type of surgery is recommended for me?

  6. What are the potential long-term effects or risks associated with each type of surgery?

  7. How experienced are you in performing each type of hernia repair surgery and what is your success rate with each method?

  8. Will I need anesthesia for the surgery and what are the potential risks or side effects of the anesthesia?

  9. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific recovery plan after the surgery?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my hernia that I should consider before deciding on surgery?

Reference

Authors: Bodilsen A, Brandsborg S, Friis-Andersen H. Journal: Hernia. 2022 Aug;26(4):1047-1052. doi: 10.1007/s10029-022-02633-7. Epub 2022 Jun 3. PMID: 35657488