Laparoscopic vs Open Hernia Surgery

What Happens in Open Surgery for Hernia?

Open surgery for hernia repair is a common procedure, focusing on fixing the area where tissues have bulged through a weak spot in your muscle wall. Let’s break down the process into stages:

• Incision: The surgeon begins with a long cut, about 1.5 to 2 inches, near the hernia site.
• Repair: Next, the protruding tissues are carefully nudged back to their original place inside your body.
• Mesh Placement: In some scenarios, to add strength to the weakened muscles, a small piece of mesh is placed over them.

Now before you get worried, let’s consider some key benefits:

• Cost-Effective: Compared to laparoscopic surgery, open hernia repair tends to be less expensive.
• Local Anaesthesia: Usually, this operation is performed under local anaesthesia, which means you remain awake but pain-free during the procedure.
• Mesh Reinforcement: This technique allows two pieces of mesh to be inserted (one on each side), giving additional support to your muscles.

After the operation, expect some pain and swelling around the incision area. Recovery time varies but generally, it takes about one week before you can resume work and approximately three weeks for normal activities.

How is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Performed?

Laparoscopic gallstone surgery, also known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a procedure that takes out the diseased gallbladder via tiny incisions in your abdomen. Here’s a simple rundown of the process:

• Small Incisions: The surgeon creates 3 to 4 minor cuts in your abdomen.
• Insertion of Laparoscope: A slim, illuminated tube (laparoscope), is slipped through one of the cuts to guide the medical team.
• Use of Instruments: Other surgical tools are inserted via the remaining cuts.
• Abdomen Inflation: Carbon dioxide gas puffs up your abdomen, providing the surgeon additional space to operate.
• Removal of Gallbladder: The diseased gallbladder is cautiously detached from nearby tissue and taken out.
• Cholangiogram: This optional X-ray can be performed during surgery to identify any stones or irregularities in the bile ducts.

How is Open Gallstone Surgery Performed?

Open gallstone surgery, technically known as open cholecystectomy, is a method to eliminate the gallbladder via a single large cut in the abdomen. The process involves:

• Incision: A 5 to 7-inch incision is made in the upper right belly area, beneath the ribs.
• Exposure: This step includes revealing the gallbladder and segregating it from adjoining organs.
• Dissection: In this phase, the surgeon snips off the bile duct and blood vessels connected to the gallbladder.
• Removal: The gallbladder is cautiously lifted and taken out of the body.
• Optional Cholangiogram: An X-ray called a cholangiogram might be conducted during surgery to detect any stones or abnormalities in bile ducts.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery Over Open Surgery For Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as ‘keyhole surgery’, has transformed the medical field by providing numerous advantages over traditional open surgery. Here are some key benefits:

• Minimally Invasive Approach: In laparoscopic surgery, doctors make smaller incisions. This results in less trauma to tissues around the operation site and reduces blood loss.
• Quick Recovery: Patients often experience faster recovery times with this surgical approach due to less tissue disruption.
• Reduced Pain: The smaller incisions cause less nerve damage, resulting in decreased post-surgery discomfort.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: The tiny scars left behind post-operation are barely noticeable, providing a better cosmetic result.
• Lower Risk of Complications: This technique carries a lower risk of complications like wound infections, dehiscence (splitting open of surgical wounds), and incisional hernias.
• Shorter Hospital Stay: Generally, patients require less time to recover in the hospital leading to quicker homecoming times.
• Cost-Effective: Due to shorter hospital stays and less need for pain medication, laparoscopic surgery tends to be more affordable than traditional open surgery.
• Less Internal Scarring: Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic procedures cause less internal scarring.

Remember that while these benefits are significant, it is vital to consult with your family physician or a specialist before deciding on any surgical procedure.

Key Differences Between Laparoscopic Surgery Over Open Surgery