Our Summary

This research paper investigates the differences between two types of groin hernia repair surgeries - open and laparoscopic - in older adults. A hernia is when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Groin hernias are common and the repair surgery is a routine procedure.

The researchers looked at five databases to gather information and compared various outcomes like how long patients stayed in the hospital after the surgery, how long the surgery took, complications during and after surgery, and the recurrence of the hernia.

They found that older adults who underwent laparoscopic surgery (where the surgeon uses a tiny camera and small surgical tools) spent less time in the hospital after the operation, had fewer wound infections, and experienced less chronic pain compared to those who had open surgery. However, there were no significant differences in other outcomes between the two types of surgeries.

The study concludes that laparoscopic groin hernia repair may be a better option for older adults, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of age on the results of different surgical approaches.

FAQs

  1. What are the main differences between open and laparoscopic groin hernia repair surgeries in older adults?
  2. How does the length of hospital stay and occurrence of complications compare between older adults who undergo open surgery versus laparoscopic surgery for groin hernia repair?
  3. Does the study conclusively suggest that laparoscopic groin hernia repair is a better option for older adults than open surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a certain period of time, to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. They may also recommend maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated to support recovery. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include those who are older adults, as this study suggests that they may experience better outcomes with this minimally invasive approach. Additionally, patients who have a recurrent hernia or have a bilateral hernia may also be good candidates for laparoscopic repair. Patients with certain medical conditions that may make open surgery more risky, such as obesity or respiratory issues, may also be recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair. Ultimately, the decision on the type of surgery recommended will depend on the individual patient’s medical history, the location and size of the hernia, and the surgeon’s expertise.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient notices a bulge or pain in the groin area
  2. Patient consults with a healthcare provider who diagnoses a hernia
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with the healthcare provider, including laparoscopic hernia repair
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center on the day of the surgery
  2. Patient undergoes the laparoscopic hernia repair procedure, which typically takes around 1-2 hours
  3. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day or the next day
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort and pain in the days following the surgery, which can be managed with medication
  5. Patient is advised to rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks
  6. Patient follows up with the healthcare provider for post-operative evaluations and to ensure proper healing and recovery
  7. Patient resumes normal activities gradually as advised by the healthcare provider

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  2. How long will the surgery take and what is the expected recovery time?
  3. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery? If so, how long?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How soon can I return to normal activities and work after the surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  7. What is the likelihood of the hernia recurring after laparoscopic repair?
  8. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries?
  9. Are there any specific factors about my health or medical history that may affect the success of the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my hernia?

Reference

Authors: Pang NQ, Ng CSY, Wong CJH. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2022 Oct;92(10):2457-2463. doi: 10.1111/ans.18032. Epub 2022 Sep 8. PMID: 36074652