Our Summary

This study aimed to understand what happens after a specific type of hernia repair surgery called laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair. The researchers followed 40 patients who had this surgery and kept track of things like how much pain they felt, how tired they were, how long it took for their stoma (a surgical opening in the belly) to start working again, how long they stayed in the hospital, and what kind of pain medication they used. They found that this type of surgery can have quite a few complications. Moreover, the patients needed a lot of pain medication after the surgery, and over half of them needed additional nerve blocks to help with the pain. This suggests that managing pain after this surgery is a big problem and that we need to do a better job taking care of these patients after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair surgery?
  2. What complications were observed after laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair in this study?
  3. What were the findings regarding post-surgical pain management for laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair is to closely follow their post-operative care instructions, including taking pain medication as prescribed, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those who have a hernia that is causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a visible bulge. In addition, patients who are at risk for complications from traditional open hernia repair, such as those with a history of hernia recurrence or a weakened abdominal wall, may also be recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair. Patients who are generally healthy and able to tolerate surgery may also be good candidates for this minimally invasive procedure.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a hernia and scheduled for surgery.
  2. Patient meets with surgeon to discuss the procedure and any potential risks or complications.
  3. Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparations.
  5. Surgery is performed using laparoscopic techniques, which involve small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon.

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  1. Patient wakes up in recovery room and is monitored closely for any immediate complications.
  2. Patient is given pain medication as needed to manage discomfort.
  3. Patient may stay in the hospital for observation and to ensure there are no complications.
  4. Patient is encouraged to start moving and walking to aid in recovery.
  5. Patient may experience some discomfort and swelling at the incision sites.
  6. Patient is discharged from the hospital and given instructions for at-home care, including how to care for incisions and when to follow up with the surgeon.
  7. Patient may experience some fatigue and need to take it easy for a few days.
  8. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative check-ups and to monitor healing progress.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  2. How long is the recovery process after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?
  3. Will I need to take pain medication after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. How soon can I resume normal activities, such as work or exercise, after the surgery?
  5. What kind of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  6. Are there any dietary restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  7. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments after the surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any complications or unusual symptoms after the surgery?
  10. Are there any long-term risks or considerations I should be aware of after laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ebbehøj AL, Sparre P, Jensen KK. Journal: Surg Endosc. 2021 May;35(5):2178-2185. doi: 10.1007/s00464-020-07623-3. Epub 2020 May 12. PMID: 32399941