Our Summary

This research study investigates a new technique for repairing ventral hernias, a type of hernia that occurs in the abdominal wall. The new procedure, called IPOM with peritoneal bridging (IPOM-pb), is compared to two commonly used methods: IPOM with defect closure (IPOM-plus) and IPOM without defect closure (sIPOM).

The researchers studied 213 patients who had ventral hernia repairs between January 2017 and June 2020. They found that the new technique took a bit longer to perform than the established methods. However, it had the lowest rate of seroma (a pocket of clear bodily fluid that sometimes develops after surgery) in the early period after the procedure.

The study also found that the new technique had lower rates of postoperative pain and surgical site infection compared to the sIPOM method. The recurrence rates of the hernia were similar for the IPOM-pb and IPOM-plus methods, and there were no recurrences in the sIPOM group.

In conclusion, the study suggests that the new IPOM-pb technique is as safe and feasible as the other two methods. However, the researchers note that a larger, randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is the new technique investigated in the study for repairing ventral hernias?
  2. How does the new IPOM-pb technique compare to the IPOM-plus and sIPOM methods in terms of postoperative complications?
  3. Is the new IPOM-pb technique for repairing ventral hernias considered as safe and feasible as the other methods?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period of time, to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help prevent hernias from recurring in the future.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include those with ventral hernias, particularly those that occur in the abdominal wall. This can include patients with primary hernias or those with recurrent hernias. Patients who are generally healthy and fit for surgery may be good candidates for laparoscopic hernia repair. It is important for patients to discuss their specific medical history and condition with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for their hernia.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and undergo a physical examination.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the presence and location of the hernia.
  3. Patient may be advised to make lifestyle changes or wear a supportive garment to manage symptoms.
  4. Patient schedules a laparoscopic hernia repair procedure with a surgeon.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes the laparoscopic hernia repair procedure, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
  2. Patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day or the following day.
  3. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site, which can be managed with pain medication.
  4. Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks and to follow a specific diet to aid in recovery.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences relief from hernia symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the benefits of the IPOM-pb technique compared to traditional methods?
  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with the IPOM-pb technique?
  3. How long does the procedure typically take to perform?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair with the IPOM-pb technique?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or restrictions?
  6. What is the success rate of the IPOM-pb technique in preventing hernia recurrence?
  7. Are there any factors that may make me a better or worse candidate for the IPOM-pb technique?
  8. How does the cost of laparoscopic hernia repair with the IPOM-pb technique compare to other methods?
  9. What is your experience and expertise with performing laparoscopic hernia repairs using the IPOM-pb technique?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my ventral hernia that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Ali F, Sandblom G, Wikner A, Wallin G. Journal: Hernia. 2022 Apr;26(2):635-646. doi: 10.1007/s10029-021-02502-9. Epub 2021 Sep 24. PMID: 34559335