Repair of trapped hernia using an endoscope

Procedure Information

What is trapped hernia repair?

Hernia means the protrusion of a part of the intestine through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This leads to the appearance of a bulge in this weak spot. This bulge is painful, especially during coughing or when you are squeezing your abdominal wall muscles, as in constipation. 

A trapped hernia happens when you can’t push the hernia back. This means that the contents of the hernia are trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. A trapped hernia can become strangulated, meaning that its blood supply is cut off. This can be a life-threatening complication.

So, a trapped inguinal hernia is not a type of hernia. It is a complication that can happen due to any kind of hernia. Hernia types that can become trapped include:

• Inguinal hernia: A protrusion on either side of your pubic bone
• Epigastric hernia: A protrusion of fat pushing the walls of your upper abdomen
• Femoral hernia: A protrusion in the upper area of the thigh
• Umbilical hernia: A protrusion in the belly button area
• Incisional hernia: A hernia caused due to a surgical wound that is hasn’t completely healed

Why would I get this procedure?

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?

A trapped 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, 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

Mayo Clinic: Inguinal hernia

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