Our Summary

The Ethicon™ laparoscopic inguinal groin hernia training (LIGHT) course is a three-day educational course that teaches doctors how to perform laparoscopic hernia surgery. The course includes lectures, hands-on practice with cadavers, and actual surgery on a patient, supervised by an experienced surgeon. Researchers looked at the results of the surgeries performed by trainees during the course from 2013 to 2015 and compared them to surgeries performed by the experienced surgeons who taught the course. They found that the surgeries performed by the trainees were just as successful as those performed by the experienced surgeons. There were no complications during surgery and no need for any patient to return to the operating room. The only difference was that the trainees took a bit longer to perform the surgeries. The researchers concluded that the training course is a safe and effective way to teach doctors how to perform hernia surgery.

FAQs

  1. What does the Ethicon™ laparoscopic inguinal groin hernia training (LIGHT) course entail?
  2. How did the performance of trainees compare to that of experienced surgeons in the LIGHT course?
  3. Were there any complications or need for reoperation in the surgeries performed by trainees during the LIGHT course?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to ensure they follow all post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and taking any prescribed medications as directed. It is also important for patients to attend follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. By following these guidelines, patients can help ensure a successful and smooth recovery following laparoscopic hernia repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those with inguinal (groin) hernias who are medically fit for surgery. These patients may have symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the groin area, a bulge or swelling in the groin, or difficulty with activities such as lifting or straining. Patients who have had previous hernia repairs that have failed or who have a high risk of complications with traditional open surgery may also be good candidates for laparoscopic hernia repair. It is important for patients to discuss their individual medical history and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their hernia repair.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient consults with a doctor for symptoms of a hernia, such as pain or bulging in the abdomen or groin.
  2. Doctor conducts a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with the doctor, including the possibility of laparoscopic hernia repair.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, which may include fasting and stopping certain medications.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient is placed under general anesthesia for the surgery.
  2. Surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope to view the hernia and surrounding tissues.
  3. Hernia is repaired using small instruments and mesh to reinforce the weakened area.
  4. Patient wakes up in the recovery room and may experience some pain or discomfort.
  5. Patient is monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or infection, before being discharged home.
  6. Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, including restrictions on physical activity and wound care.
  7. Patient follows up with the surgeon for a post-operative check-up to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery time after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  5. How successful is laparoscopic hernia repair compared to traditional open hernia repair surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or procedures before the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will the surgery take and when can I expect to return to normal activities?
  9. What should I do if I experience any pain or discomfort after the surgery?
  10. What is your follow-up plan after the surgery to monitor my recovery progress?

Reference

Authors: Light D, Bawa S, Gallagher P, Horgan L. Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2017 Nov;99(8):614-616. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2017.0094. Epub 2017 Jul 6. PMID: 28682133