Our Summary

In simple terms, this study looked at two different ways to fix a common type of hernia (inguinal hernia) in people aged 65 and above. The two methods were an open surgery method, and a method using a laparoscope (a small camera that allows doctors to see inside the body).

The study followed 120 patients over a year, with half of them receiving each type of surgery. The researchers found that there was no significant difference in the length of the surgeries or the number of complications. However, people who had the laparoscopic surgery were able to return to their normal daily lives more quickly and experienced less pain after the surgery.

Importantly, the study also showed that there was less recurrence of the hernia in the group that had laparoscopic surgery. Considering these advantages, the researchers concluded that laparoscopic surgery could be a safer and more preferable choice for older people with this type of hernia.

FAQs

  1. What types of hernia repair methods were compared in this study?
  2. What were the main benefits of laparoscopic surgery as compared to open surgery for hernia repair?
  3. Did the study find any difference in the recurrence rate of hernia between the two types of surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

For a patient considering laparoscopic hernia repair, a doctor may advise that this method can lead to a quicker recovery time, less post-operative pain, and a lower risk of hernia recurrence compared to traditional open surgery. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

Suitable For

Therefore, patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those who are older (65 and above) and have an inguinal hernia. They may also be recommended for this type of surgery if they want a quicker recovery time, less post-operative pain, and a lower risk of hernia recurrence.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient consults with a doctor about symptoms of a hernia (such as a bulge in the abdomen or groin).
  2. Doctor performs a physical examination and may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with the doctor, including the possibility of laparoscopic hernia repair.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  5. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting and stopping certain medications.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient undergoes the laparoscopic hernia repair procedure, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope and other surgical instruments.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day or the next day.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision sites, which can be managed with pain medication.
  4. Patient is advised to gradually resume normal activities, with restrictions on heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a certain period of time.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the doctor to monitor healing and ensure there are no complications.
  6. Over time, patient experiences a reduction in pain and a return to normal daily activities, with a lower risk of hernia recurrence compared to other surgical methods.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery for someone my age?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  3. How long is the recovery time for laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  4. How soon can I expect to return to my normal daily activities after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  5. Will I experience less pain with laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  6. What is the likelihood of hernia recurrence after laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  7. Are there any specific factors about my health or hernia that make me a better candidate for laparoscopic hernia repair?
  8. How many laparoscopic hernia repair procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the laparoscopic hernia repair procedure?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides laparoscopic hernia repair?

Reference

Authors: Ulutas ME, Yilmaz AH. Journal: Hernia. 2025 May 23;29(1):179. doi: 10.1007/s10029-025-03368-x. PMID: 40407912