What is laparoscopy for inguinal hernia

Laparoscopy is a modern method of endoscopic surgery of internal organs without significant traumatism both for the organs themselves and for the tissues through which the entrance is made. In medicine, this method of surgical intervention has been used for at least two decades, each time consolidating its result with high efficiency and a low risk of various complications.

In a narrower sense, a laparoscope is a special medical device with which surgeons are able to penetrate into various cavities of the body in real time.

The probe itself consists of several electronic and optical parts:

• lighting device at the end of the tube;
• camcorder;
• screen with a visual image;
• manipulator set.

So, laparoscopy of an inguinal hernia is a method due to which penetration into a certain area of ​​​​the human body is carried out, where the hernia will be visible from the inside.

This method is shown to any segment of the population. This type of surgery can be performed on the elderly, children, men and women. The only exception is a small child, who is contraindicated in general anesthesia.

The video camera is designed to receive high-resolution images, which allows doctors to view the structure of interest in the best quality, even with the slightest changes.

Preparing for the operation

First of all, the patient takes a horizontal position on the operating table. During the intervention, the patient should lie on his back with the necessary fixation of the joints.

Anesthesia is being performed. Surgery for inguinal hernia requires intubation anesthesia with total relaxation of the muscular system.

Operation technique

The intervention process consists of several stages:

1. Based on the available information about the location of the pathology, surgeons make several small skin punctures at the site of the hernia with a special tube (trocar) . The length of the incisions is not more than two centimeters. Three tubes are used for an inguinal hernia.
2. A few minutes later, carbon dioxide is injected into the abdominal cavity through one puncture . The colorless substance, due to its properties, expands the abdominal cavity, giving doctors more opportunities to examine the peritoneum.
3. The first tube is inserted into the navel, where the doctors lower the probe, which has a camera with illumination. This camera transmits video of the bulge directly to monitor screens. An audit of the abdominal cavity is carried out: first, the doctor examines and finds the hernial orifice, and then, if necessary, the strangulated part of the organ.
4. The other two tubes are inserted to cut the hernia. The peritoneum is separated from the organs by a bending incision.
5. The tissue is clamped with the second tube, when the surgeon strengthens the mesh with the third tube. This is necessary for a snug fit of the mesh implant to the hernial orifice. After that, suturing is performed with special biological sutures.

An operation to remove an inguinal hernia is also performed using the combined laparoscopic hernia repair technique. The technique of execution consists in flashing and crossing the hernial sac through a small incision where the hernia is located, while the plasty itself is carried out by laparoscopic access. This method is used when the hernial sac is large in size.

Treatment of inguinal hernia with a combined method has its advantages: this technique reduces the time of the operation, reduces the risk of complications in the scrotal region.

Indications for hernioplasty of inguinal hernia

Despite its wide universality for every person, this method has certain indications.

When is the operation performed:

• the possibility of introducing general anesthesia (narcosis) to the patient;
• excess body weight of the patient;
• a lifestyle that is associated with heavy physical exertion of the patient or professional sports;
• if the patient insists on the aesthetic aspect of the operation (does not want scars on the body after the intervention);
• hernia complications;
• the need for rapid recovery after surgery.

Contraindications

Inguinal hernia surgery by laparoscopy is contraindicated if:

• the patient is a pregnant woman;
• there is an infection of the whole body (sepsis);
• extreme obesity;
• a person has symptoms of severe diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Removing an inguinal hernia by laparoscopy has its advantages (of which there are more) and disadvantages.

The main advantages of this method:

1. The risk of postoperative hernia and recurrence is minimized.
2. After surgery, the patient does not have long-term rehabilitation.
3. Wounds heal quickly, leaving hardly visible scars.
4. The number of complications and consequences is minimal.
5. The method is indicated for inguinal hernia in children.

The downside of laparoscopic surgery is that it is performed under general anesthesia, which is not indicated for everyone due to the difficult condition of the internal organs. Also, the disadvantages include the high cost of this type of hernia repair.

Recovery after surgery

The fact that the rehabilitation period after the treatment of an inguinal hernia in men is not long (and the patient can return home and start his professional activity) does not mean that it does not exist at all. In the first month after the intervention, the patient should be under the supervision of a specialist. The task of the latter is to assess the wound surfaces and the general condition of the cured. The frequency of visits to the doctor after surgery depends on the operation and its progress.

Pain after surgery will disappear after a few days. After the pain has fully subsided, the person can return to their normal activities.

There are a number of recommendations that the patient must adhere to:

1. Limiting physical activity not only on the abdominal muscles, but also on the whole body.
2. A person should consult a doctor if his occupation is related to power stress . The same applies to sports activities, even regular exercise.
3. Diet . It is recommended to adhere to fractional meals. Particular attention should be paid to fluid intake. At first, it is desirable to stew, boil and bake food. Spicy dishes, sauces, spices also fall under the restriction. Every day, various vitamins should be supplied to the diet.

Complications

Laparoscopic removal of an inguinal hernia is not a universal remedy. There are always various background conditions that can, one way or another, provoke the development of complications.

Laparoscopic surgery is formidable with such aggravating conditions:

1. 1 . Purulent-inflammatory phenomena at the site of suturing. This condition is determined by the presence of bacterial flora, both in the hospital and in different areas of the patient's skin.
2. Bruising from the vessels of the subcutaneous layer.
3. Damage to the internal organs with surgical instruments , which can cause inflammation of the internal organs and the development of peritonitis.
4. Damage to the spermatic cord in men . Such a phenomenon can provoke a malfunction of the reproductive system up to infertility.
5. 5. In the elderly - thrombotic events in the vessels .