Our Summary

This research study looked at the rates of ventral hernias (POVH) following a certain type of colon surgery called laparoscopic-assisted colectomy. In plain English, a ventral hernia is a bulge of tissues through an opening in the muscles on the abdomen. These can often occur after surgery.

The study found that a significant number of patients developed these hernias after their surgery. Interestingly, they found that people were more likely to develop a hernia if the surgical removal site was in the middle of the abdomen, if they had an infection at the surgical site, or if their cancer had spread to other parts of the body.

However, other factors such as age, sex, body weight, smoking, diabetes, the size of the tumor, and whether or not the surgery was assisted by hand, did not seem to affect the likelihood of developing a hernia.

In other words, this research suggests that where the surgeon makes the incision and removes tissue, as well as the patient’s overall health, can potentially affect their risk of developing a hernia after this type of colon surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is a ventral hernia and when does it often occur?
  2. What factors were found to increase the likelihood of developing a ventary hernia after a laparoscopic-assisted colectomy?
  3. Does age, sex, body weight, smoking, diabetes, the size of the tumor, or whether the surgery was assisted by hand affect the likelihood of developing a hernia after this type of surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of developing a ventral hernia. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, following a proper diet to prevent constipation, and keeping the surgical site clean and dry. Additionally, maintaining overall good health and addressing any underlying medical conditions can also help reduce the risk of complications following surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and benign tumors of the colon. Additionally, patients who are considered good candidates for minimally invasive surgery, have a lower risk of complications, and are in overall good health may also be recommended for this procedure. It is important for patients to discuss their individual medical history and risk factors with their healthcare provider to determine if laparoscopic colectomy is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic colectomy, patients typically undergo a series of tests and consultations to determine if they are a good candidate for the surgery. This may include blood tests, imaging scans, and discussions with the surgical team. Patients may also need to follow a specific diet or take medications in the days leading up to the procedure.

During laparoscopic colectomy, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and uses a camera and specialized instruments to remove part of the colon. The procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which can lead to faster recovery times and less pain for the patient.

After laparoscopic colectomy, patients are monitored closely for any complications such as infection or bleeding. They may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and pain management. Once discharged, patients will need to follow a specific diet and activity plan to aid in their recovery.

In the weeks and months following the surgery, patients will have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress and address any concerns. It may take several weeks for patients to fully recover and return to their normal activities. In some cases, patients may need physical therapy or additional treatments to help with their recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic colectomy include:

  1. What is the likelihood of developing a ventral hernia after this surgery?
  2. Are there any specific factors about my health or the surgery itself that may increase my risk of developing a hernia?
  3. What steps can be taken during surgery to lower the risk of developing a hernia?
  4. How can I prevent a hernia from occurring after surgery?
  5. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a hernia has developed?
  6. How will a hernia be diagnosed and treated if it does occur?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce my risk of developing a hernia post-surgery?
  8. What is the typical recovery process for a ventral hernia after laparoscopic colectomy?
  9. Are there any additional resources or support groups available for patients who have developed a hernia after this type of surgery?

Reference

Authors: Greemland I, Raveh G, Gavrielli S, Sadot E, Kashtan H, Wasserberg N. Journal: Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2021 Jul 28;31(6):722-728. doi: 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000977. PMID: 34320593