Our Summary

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of two different surgical methods used to repair parastomal hernias: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Parastomal hernias occur when part of the intestines push through a weak spot in the muscles surrounding a stoma, which is an artificial opening made in the abdomen for waste disposal after certain types of surgery.

The researchers reviewed medical records of 62 patients who underwent either open or laparoscopic hernia repair at their facilities between 2009 and 2017. They compared patient information, details of the operations, and the outcome of the surgeries.

They found that patients who had the laparoscopic procedure had shorter surgeries, spent less time in the hospital, had fewer complications with wounds, and their repairs lasted longer than those who had open surgery.

They also found that the risk of the hernia recurring was higher in patients who had open surgery, even after adjusting for whether or not the patient had had a hernia repair before.

The study concluded that laparoscopic surgery for parastomal hernias seems to be more beneficial, but more research is needed to better understand the best methods for this type of hernia repair.

FAQs

  1. What are parastomal hernias and how do they occur?
  2. What were the key findings of the study comparing open surgery and laparoscopic surgery for parastomal hernia repair?
  3. What conclusions did the study draw about the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery for parastomal hernias?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to expect a quicker recovery time compared to open surgery. Patients may also experience less pain, have smaller incisions, and have a reduced risk of complications such as infections. Additionally, it is important to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include those with parastomal hernias, as seen in the study mentioned above. Other types of patients who may benefit from laparoscopic hernia repair include those with inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias, and incisional hernias. Additionally, patients who are younger, have a lower body mass index, and do not have significant medical comorbidities may also be good candidates for laparoscopic hernia repair. Ultimately, the decision on the type of hernia repair procedure recommended for a patient will depend on their individual medical history, the size and location of the hernia, and the surgeon’s expertise and preference.

Timeline

The timeline for a patient undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair typically includes the following steps:

  • Pre-operative consultation with the surgeon to discuss the procedure and any pre-operative instructions.
  • Day of surgery: the patient arrives at the hospital or surgical center, undergoes anesthesia, and the laparoscopic hernia repair is performed.
  • Post-operative recovery: the patient may experience some pain and discomfort in the days following surgery, but this can usually be managed with medication. They will be monitored for any complications and may be discharged from the hospital within a day or two.
  • Follow-up appointments: the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure the hernia repair is successful.
  • Long-term recovery: patients are typically able to resume normal activities within a few weeks after surgery, but should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a period of time to allow for proper healing.

Overall, patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair tend to have shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and a lower risk of hernia recurrence compared to those who undergo open surgery.

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?
  3. How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  5. What kind of post-operative care will be needed?
  6. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  7. How likely is the hernia to recur after laparoscopic repair?
  8. Are there any specific restrictions or limitations I should follow after the surgery?
  9. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work or exercise?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Keller P, Totten CF, Plymale MA, Lin YW, Davenport DL, Roth JS. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2021 Jan;35(1):415-422. doi: 10.1007/s00464-020-07377-y. Epub 2020 Feb 6. PMID: 32030548