If you’re set to undergo hernia surgery, you may have been advised on the types of surgery you may get – there are basically two types, laparoscopic surgery and open hernia surgery. Depending on your specific symptoms and case details, one may be better for you than the other. It’s important you are informed about the differences so you, with the help of your surgeon, can decide which is best. If you’re a bit confused, no worries – this one’s for you: an important comparison between laparoscopic and open hernia surgery: which is right for you?
What is laparoscopic hernia surgery?
With laparoscopic hernia surgery, four or five very small incisions are made around the hernia. Through these small incisions an instrument is inserted into the body in order for the surgeon to see the hernia – this instrument is a tube with a small camera attached, called a laparoscope. Other instruments needed for the operation are inserted through the other incisions.
What are the advantages?
- There tends to be a shorter recovery time with this procedure
- There tends to be less post-operative pain
- There’s a tendency for less scarring
What is open hernia surgery?
Open hernia surgery involves making a large incision (rather than making several small ones) near the area of the hernia. With this type of surgery, it’s more often preferred to have general anaesthesia (which means the patient goes to sleep throughout the procedure). The procedure occurs in the same way, except that fewer specific tools are used.
What are the advantages?
- It’s less difficult for the specialist and thus tends to be simpler (all things considered to be equal)
- If previous operations have happened at that specific area, the old wound will be reopened and no new wounds or scarring should occur
- Whilst usually general anaesthetic is used, there may be an option for local anaesthetic (which carries less risk).
The decision of which surgery to select is ultimately yours – but it’s important you make the decision in close consultation with your physician; he or she should be able to tell you what you can expect, how you should prepare, and how you should make arrangements for after the surgery, as a hernia surgery in Hampshire specialist from the London Surgical Group will attest. The truth is that, regardless of which type you choose, your prospects will be very good. Hernia surgery is usually a patient-in patient-out affair, meaning that the patient can usually leave the hospital the same day if there are no complications. However, recovery time at home may take a few days longer, so make sure you are informed properly and are able to make preparations in advance to make your recovery as easy as possible.
