Our Summary

This study looks at the safety of two types of hernia repair surgery - laparoscopic and open - in patients who are taking medication to prevent blood clots. The researchers looked at data from over 142,000 hernia repairs, 15% of which were in patients taking these medications. They found that patients taking certain types of these medications were more likely to have an open surgery, but that laparoscopic surgery seemed to be safe for these patients as well. Patients who had laparoscopic surgery were also less likely to stay in the hospital for more than a day. They found no significant difference in complications, such as blood clots or heart attacks, between the two types of surgery.

FAQs

  1. What types of hernia repair surgery were studied in this research?
  2. Were there any differences in complications between laparoscopic and open hernia repair surgeries?
  3. Is laparoscopic hernia repair safe for patients who are taking medication to prevent blood clots?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow all pre-surgery instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications as directed. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with the surgeon before the surgery to ensure a successful outcome. After the surgery, patients should follow post-operative care instructions closely to promote a speedy recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include those with inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias, and incisional hernias. Additionally, patients who are younger, healthier, and have smaller hernias are often good candidates for laparoscopic surgery. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as obesity or a history of previous abdominal surgeries, may also benefit from laparoscopic hernia repair. Ultimately, the decision on whether to undergo laparoscopic or open hernia repair should be made in consultation with a surgeon, taking into account the specific characteristics of the hernia and the patient’s overall health.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss treatment options and decide on laparoscopic hernia repair.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or follow specific dietary guidelines before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes laparoscopic hernia repair surgery.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room or discharged home.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, or discomfort at the surgical site.
  3. Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including wound care and activity restrictions.
  4. Patient may be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
  6. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

  3. Will I need to take any special precautions or follow a specific diet or activity restrictions after surgery?

  4. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

  5. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair surgery for patients with my specific type of hernia?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

  7. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?

  8. How long will the surgery take and what can I expect during the procedure?

  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects or risks?

  10. How soon after surgery can I expect to return to normal activities and work?

Reference

Authors: Balch JA, Neal D, Crippen C, Johnson-Mann CN, Read TE, Loftus TJ, Al-Mansour MR. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2022 Dec;36(12):9011-9018. doi: 10.1007/s00464-022-09360-1. Epub 2022 Jun 8. PMID: 35674797