Repair of incisional hernia using an endoscope

Procedure Information

What is incisional hernia repair?

Incisional hernia means the protrusion of a part of your intestines through a surgical incision before it fully closes. Incisional hernias result from a weakening of your abdominal muscles due to a surgical incision. They most often occur 3 to 5 months following surgery. An incisional hernia happens due to a variety of reasons:

• Participating in premature or excessive physical activity after surgery, leading to a weakening in the incision site.
• Gaining considerable weight
• Becoming pregnant
• Increased abdominal pressure before your incision fully heals

Why would I get this procedure?

Incisional hernia can become trapped, meaning that you can’t push it back to its place. Trapped (Incarcerated hernia) has many complications. These complications include: 

• Bowel obstruction
• Severe pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Inability to pass gas

Moreover, a severe complication of trapped hernia is strangulation, meaning that its blood supply is cut off. This can be a life-threatening condition and require immediate surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

An incisional hernia repair is usually performed under general anesthesia as a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopic (endoscopic) hernia repair is a minimally invasive procedure. 

The surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen to insert small tools and a tiny camera (laparoscope) through these incisions. Your surgeon will be able to see the hernia from the inside and repair it using synthetic mesh. 

Laparoscopic surgery allows for less discomfort and less scarring after surgery and a quicker return to your routine.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be able to go home on the day after your operation. It is expected that your groin feels sore and uncomfortable. You will be given some pain medications that will help you relieve this discomfort.

Make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your doctor for caring for your wound, hygiene and bathing. Try to avoid coughing and constipation because this can cause pain around the wound area. Incorporating lots of fluids and fibers into your diet can help you avoid constipation.

Conclusion

Immediately call your surgeon if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Abnormal swelling
• Pain that isn’t relieved by pain medications
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Chills 
• Difficulty passing urine

Citation

Johns Hopkins: Incisional Hernia

Mayo Clinic: Inguinal hernia

Nhs. uk (England’s health system): Inguinal hernia repair