Our Summary

This research paper has studied the trends in a specific type of surgery called laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The study used data from more than 200,000 patients who had this surgery between 2006 and 2017.

The findings show that from 2006 to 2017, there has been a rise in the number of these surgeries being done. In 2006, around 20% of these surgeries were done laparoscopically, which means by making small cuts and using a camera to see inside the body, rather than by making a large cut. By 2017, this had risen to over 36%.

However, the study also found that women were less likely than men to have this type of surgery. Meanwhile, women who had a specific type of hernia, called a bilateral inguinal hernia, were more likely to have a traditional open surgery rather than a laparoscopic one.

The paper also reports that the rate of post-surgery complications was low overall.

FAQs

  1. Has there been an increase in the number of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs over time?
  2. Are women less likely to have laparoscopic hernia repair than men?
  3. What are the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow their postoperative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include avoiding heavy lifting, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking can help promote successful recovery after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair include those with reducible inguinal hernias, especially men with bilateral inguinal hernias. While women with bilateral inguinal hernias were found to be less likely to undergo laparoscopic repair in this study, it is still a viable option for many patients. Overall, postoperative complications for laparoscopic hernia repair were low, indicating that this minimally invasive approach can be a safe and effective option for a variety of patients.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the groin area
  • Patient consults with a healthcare provider who diagnoses the hernia
  • Patient discusses treatment options with the healthcare provider, including the option of laparoscopic hernia repair
  • Patient undergoes preoperative testing and preparation for the surgery

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair procedure
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day or with a short hospital stay
  • Patient may experience some discomfort or soreness at the incision sites
  • Patient follows postoperative instructions for care and recovery, including restrictions on physical activity and lifting
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider to monitor healing and discuss any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to traditional open surgery?
  2. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair that I should be aware of?
  3. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic hernia repair procedures?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and postoperative pain level for laparoscopic hernia repair?
  5. Will I have any restrictions or limitations after the surgery, and for how long?
  6. Are there any specific factors that may make me a better or worse candidate for laparoscopic hernia repair?
  7. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and are there any potential long-term complications to be aware of?
  8. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options for my hernia that I should consider before proceeding with laparoscopic repair?

Reference

Authors: Ilonzo N, Gribben J, Neifert S, Pettke E, Leitman IM. Journal: Am J Surg. 2019 Oct;218(4):726-729. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.07.022. Epub 2019 Jul 22. PMID: 31353033