Mesh Method For Hernia Repair

A hernia occurs when one part of the body protrudes into another. The most common type is the inguinal hernia, in which intestinal tissue pushes through an opening or weakness in the abdominal wall. Surgery is the only way to fix a hernia, and hernioplasty, or the use of a mesh patch, is a popular method. It allows faster recovery than the traditional method, but, like all surgery, it has its complications.

Open Hernioplasty

In an open hernioplasty, the surgeon makes a long incision over the hernia, then pushes the protruding intestinal tissue back behind the abdominal wall. The surgeon covers the spot with the mesh patch and secures it in place with sutures, clips or staples. This closes the hole in the abdominal wall and reinforces the weak section of muscle. The time and difficulty of recovery depends on the patient, but, in general, open-hernioplasty patients resume full normal activity within a couple of weeks.

Use Of Technology

Many hernia patients are eligible for laparoscopic hernioplasty, which is less invasive and has a much faster recovery time. In this procedure, the surgeon makes several tiny incisions, one for a tiny camera and the others for surgical instruments. Using the camera to see the hernia, the surgeon completes the operation with the help of a television monitor in the operating room. Laparoscopic surgery patients typically can return to work within a few days.

Eligibility

Because of the faster recovery time, many surgeons are opting to repair hernias with laparoscopic surgery, especially for patients with double hernias. But some patients may not be good laparoscopic candidates. They include those with very large hernias or hernias that are pushed into the scrotum, and patients who have had previous surgery in the pelvis.

Complications

Bleeding is a common complication of hernioplasty, as is injury to the vas deferens (in males) and injury to the colon or bladder. Post-surgical complications include atrophy of the testicles, infection and recurrence of the hernia.

Tags: abdominal wall, faster recovery, faster recovery time, intestinal tissue, mesh patch