Things To Keep In Mind After Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Introduction

Laparoscopic hernia inguinal surgery is similar to other laparoscopic methods. General anesthesia is given and a small incision is made in or just below the navel to complete the procedure. A hernia doctor in Nashik explains in the following section things you should keep in mind after undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery.

Things to keep in mind after surgery

Diet

Inguinal hernia repair does not require any special diet restrictions after surgery. Some patients can find that their appetite is poor for one or two weeks after surgery and this is a typical result of the stress of surgery — your appetite should return in time. 

Wound care

It is fine to start showering around 36 hours after surgery. If you have Band-Aids on the surgery incisions, remove them before showering. You should see steri-strips attached to your skin after the surgery and it is fine to get these tapes wet in the shower. The tapes will start to peel up on the ends 7–10 days after surgery. At this point, they have done their part and you can peel them the rest of the way off if you wish, says the hernia specialist doctor in Nashik.

Activity

There are no medical or physical limitations on activity after surgery. You can walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt. Getting back to regular activity as soon as possible will most likely boost your recovery. But, if it doesn't feel good, don't do it. Take it slow and let pain be your guide.

Work

Everyone returns to work at different times. If you want, you can return to work right away. But, most people take at least 1–2 weeks off before returning to work. 

Bowel Movements

The first bowel movement can occur anywhere from 1–5 days after undergoing surgery — as long as you are not nauseous or feeling abdominal pain, this variation is acceptable. It is normal to pass a lot more gas from your rectum than usual. Some patients also notice diarrhea or "loose bowels" for the initial days after their hernia repair. For most patients who underwent this surgery, the bowel function normalizes with time. Constipation can also be expected due to pain medications. 

Seroma

Some patients notice that their hernia "returns" right after surgery. This is a normal feeling or appearance. The area where the hernia contents were can sometimes fill up with post-operative fluid, which is called seroma. This fluid is a typical result of surgery and will usually be absorbed by the body in a few weeks, says the hernia specialist in Nashik.

Hernia Doctor Explains Spigelian Hernia

What Is a Spigelian Hernia?

A Spigelian hernia is a hernia through the Spigelian fascia or layer of tissue that separates two groups of abdominal muscles. The muscles are called the rectus muscles and the lateral obliques. A Spigelian hernia is rare and often hard to diagnose, says a herniaspecialist doctor in Nashik. A Spigelian hernia can affect the caecum, the appendix and other organs. Spigelian hernia cases make up about 0.12% to 2% of total abdominal wall hernias.

Symptoms

According to a hernia doctor in Nashik, you may have a Spigelian hernia if you feel a small, soft lump or bulge in your abdomen. Covered by fat, this bulge or lump is usually painless and more apparent when standing. The size itself, though, often grows and reduces on its own. Having Spigelian hernia can also cause:

·         Pain in your abdomen

·         Pain that increases while straining to cough

·         A change in your bowel habits

·         Blood in your stools

Treatment

The only way to treat a Spigelian hernia is surgery. There are two types of surgical treatments available – open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. During traditional/open surgery, your doctor will identify the Spigelian fascia gap and will move the bulging tissue and organs back to the proper location, and then repair the hole in your stomach wall. During laparoscopic repair, your doctor will only need to make one or two small incisions to your abdomen to complete the entire process. Your hospital stay will be shorter and so will your recovery time. It would be best to plan for surgery when your Spigelian hernia is diagnosed, as the treatment is safest when done early, says the hernia specialist in Nashik.