Dr Taylor also performs other keyhole surgeries including removal of the Gallbladder and hernia repair. A hernia is any abnormal protrusion of an organ, usually abdominal fat or intestines, through the hole or weak area in the abdominal wall or muscle. Hernias are more common in certain parts of the body such as the abdomen, groin and upper thigh area, and belly button area. They also can occur in any place where you have had an incision from surgery. Another common type of hernia is a hiatus hernia- this involves the oesophagus and diaphragm.
Hernia Types
There are different types of hernias based on their location. The most common types are listed above.
- Inguinal Hernia: Appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum, occurring more commonly in men than women.
- Femoral Hernia: A femoral hernia appears as a bulge in the upper thigh, is a loop of intestine, or another part of the abdominal contents, that has been forced out of the abdomen through a channel called the “femoral canal”(a tube-shaped passage at the top of the front of the thigh). This type of hernia tends to occur in older people and is more common in women than in men.
- Hiatus Hernia: A hiatus hernia is when part of the stomach slides through the diaphragm, the muscular sheet that separates the lungs and chest from the abdomen.
- Incisional Hernia: An incisional hernia may be caused by the scar if you have had abdominal surgery.
- Umbilical Hernia: An umbilical hernia is a small bulge around the umbilicus (belly button). An umbilical hernia in an infant is caused by the incomplete closure of the muscles around the umbilicus.
A hernia will not get better by itself and may need to be treated surgically as they have a risk of becoming strangulated. A hernia repair is usually performed as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery with an overnight stay in the hospital. This means that post operative pain is minimised, recovery is short, and return to work and everyday activities is rapid.
Advantages of laparoscopic hernia surgery vs traditional open repairs
- Less post-operative pain with smaller incisions and faster recovery
- No further incisions required for patients with hernias in both groins (bilateral hernia)
- Ideal method for patients with recurrent hernias after previous surgery
- Early discharge from hospital
- Earlier return to work
- lower recurrence rate in the long term
Laparoscopic surgery is performed in a hospital operating room under general anaesthesia. The television camera attached to the laparoscope displays the image of the abdominal cavity on a television screen. The surgeon makes three small incisions over the abdomen to insert the balloon dissector and trocars (keyholes). A deflated balloon along with the laparoscope is inserted and the balloon is inflated with a hand pump under direct vision. Once the trocars (key holes) are placed, the keyhole instruments are then inserted to repair the hernia. A sheet of mesh is inserted in through the top key hole and positioned and fixed it in the abdominal wall to reinforce the repair and help prevent recurrent hernias. After completion of the repair the CO2 gas is evacuated and the trocars are removed and the tiny incisions are closed and dressed with a sterile bandage.
Specific complications of laparoscopic hernia surgery may include local discomfort and stiffness, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, bruising, blood clots, wound irritation and urinary retention.