Treatment Options
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The treatment options for hernias vary depending on the type and severity of the hernia.
Physicians typically consider several approaches:
Watchful Waiting
For small, asymptomatic hernias, a watchful waiting approach may be suggested. This entails monitoring the hernia for any changes or worsening symptoms over time, allowing healthcare providers to intervene if necessary.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications can provide temporary relief from hernia-related discomfort, though they do not address the underlying issue. They are often used as adjuncts to other treatment modalities.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications like avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can help alleviate symptoms and prevent hernias from worsening. These changes empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition.
Hernia Truss
A hernia truss is a supportive garment worn over the hernia site to keep it in place and reduce discomfort. While it may offer short-term relief, trusses are generally not recommended for long-term use due to potential complications and limited effectiveness.
Laproscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: This minimally invasive technique involves making small incisions through which a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The surgeon uses the camera to guide the repair while watching a video monitor, resulting in quicker recovery and less postoperative pain compared to open surgery.
Open Hernia Repair
Open Hernia Repair: In this traditional procedure, a surgeon makes an incision near the hernia site, pushes the protruding tissue back into place, and reinforces the weakened abdominal wall with stitches or a synthetic mesh.
Surgery (Hernia Repair): Surgery is often the most effective treatment for hernias, especially when they cause symptoms or complications. The two primary surgical approaches are:
Laproscopic Vs Open Hernia Repair
Laproscopic Hernia Repair |
Open Hernia Repair |
|---|---|
| Advanced training is required for laparoscopic approach | Technique is old and varies in style from surgeon to surgeon |
| General anaesthesia is administered | Procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia also |
| Hernia is repaired from the inside from behind the muscle weakness | The muscle weakness is opened and the hernia is repaired from the outside |
| Advanced laparoscopic equipment is used | Requires standard surgical instruments |
| Recuurence rates and infection rates are at < 1% | Higher recurrence rates and infection rates are noted |
| Length of incision is no more than 1 -2 cm with 2 small punctures | Length of incision is 4 – 5 cm |
| Incision is made in the belly butto area | Incision is made in the groin area |
| Mesh is positioned behind the muscle | Mesh is positioned behind and above the muscle |
| Absorbable sutures used to secure the mesh in place | Mesh is sutured into the location |
| Patients feel little or no pain after the surgery | Patients may experience moderate post-operative pain |
| Patients return to normal activities in about 1 week | Patients resume normal activities in about 2-3 weeks |
| Surgery takes ablut 45 minutes to an hour | surgery takes about 30 minutes to 45 minutes |
| Difficulty in repairing large and complex hernias | Recommended surgical option for large and complex hernias |
The choice of treatment depends on various factors such as hernia size, patient health, and surgeon expertise. Ongoing advancements in hernia management, including tissue engineering and bioabsorbable implants, hold promise for enhancing surgical outcomes and reducing long-term complications. Patient education and awareness programs are crucial for early symptom recognition and prompt medical intervention. By fostering collaborative decision-making between healthcare providers and patients, comprehensive treatment plans can be tailored to individual needs, optimising patient well-being and quality of life.