Our Summary

This research paper is comparing two types of surgical procedures used to repair inguinal hernias, which are hernias that occur in the lower abdomen or groin. The two types are single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS).

The researchers looked at 15 different studies that included 1,651 patients who underwent either SILS or MILS. They found that patients who had SILS recovered faster than those who had MILS. However, other factors like how long the patients stayed in the hospital, how long the surgery took, pain levels after one week, chances of the hernia coming back, need to convert to a different type of surgery, and post-surgery complications were similar for both types of surgery.

In a more detailed look at four specific trials, they found that those who underwent MILS had slightly more pain after surgery compared to those who had SILS.

In conclusion, both types of surgery are safe and feasible for repairing inguinal hernias. The type of surgery offered to patients can depend on the resources available and the surgeon’s expertise.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of surgical procedures used to repair inguinal hernias?
  2. What are the main differences in recovery and complications between single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS)?
  3. How does the choice between SILS and MILS for hernia repair depend on resources and the surgeon’s expertise?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hernia repair is to discuss with their surgeon the different types of surgical procedures available, such as single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS), and determine which option may be best for their individual case. Patients should also follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for hernia repair are those who have been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a noticeable bulge in the groin area. In some cases, hernias can cause complications such as incarceration or strangulation, which may require urgent surgical intervention.

Patients who are in good overall health and do not have any contraindications for surgery are typically considered good candidates for hernia repair. However, the choice between SILS and MILS may depend on factors such as the patient’s individual anatomy, the size and location of the hernia, and the surgeon’s preference and experience with each technique.

Ultimately, the decision to recommend hernia repair and the choice of surgical technique will be made by the patient’s healthcare provider after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and individual circumstances.

Timeline

Before hernia repair:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of a hernia, such as pain or discomfort in the abdomen or groin area.
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who diagnoses the hernia through physical examination or imaging tests.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with the healthcare provider and decides to undergo hernia repair surgery.

After hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes either SILS or MILS surgery to repair the hernia.
  2. Patient is monitored in the hospital for a period of time post-surgery to ensure there are no complications.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital and provided with instructions for at-home care, including pain management and activity restrictions.
  4. Patient follows up with the healthcare provider for post-operative appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences a reduction in symptoms over time as they recover from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the risks and benefits of single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) compared to multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS) for repairing my hernia?
  2. How long is the recovery time for each type of surgery?
  3. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. How long does each type of surgery typically take to perform?
  5. What level of pain can I expect after the surgery, and how long will it last?
  6. What are the chances of my hernia coming back after each type of surgery?
  7. Are there any potential complications specific to each type of surgery that I should be aware of?
  8. Will I need to convert to a different type of surgery during the procedure?
  9. What is your experience with performing each type of surgery, and do you have a preference for one over the other?
  10. Are there any other factors I should consider when deciding between SILS and MILS for my hernia repair?

Reference

Authors: Sajid MS, Khawaja AH, Sayegh M, Baig MK. Journal: Int J Surg. 2016 May;29:25-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.02.088. Epub 2016 Mar 11. PMID: 26975426