Centre For Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

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Hernia

What is a hernia?

A hernia is a protrusion of bodily contents beyond its normal confines. They are classified according to location in the body. The most common is a groin hernia, where part of the intestines or fat slips out through a defect in the muscle of the groin. Defects in the umbilicus are also common (umbilical / paraumbilical hernia). Incisional hernia (a.k.a. ventral hernia) may occur in a previous surgical scar that did not heal properly.

Some hernias are seen externally; such as a hiatal hernia that occurs through a loose hiatus in the diaphragm. This leads to part of the stomach slipping up into the chest and patients present with symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD).

Do hernias need to be treated?

Generally, yes. If left untreated, they grow in size and may lead to serious complications.

What are the complications of a hernia?

Possible complications include:

1. incarceration of hernia contents - here contents such as intestines or intestinal fat get stuck in the hernia sac. Surgery required.
2. intestinal obstruction - the stuck intestines cause obstruction in the intestinal system leading to vomiting and pain. Urgent surgery required.
3. gangrene of the intestines - blood supply to the intestines is cut off and the bowels undergo necrosis. Emergency surgery required.

How are hernias repaired?

We specialize in hernia surgery. A special mesh is used to repair the defect. With the mesh, recurrence rates are lower.

In our practice, we place the mesh using one of the following methods:
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1. standard 3-incision laparoscopic surgery. One incision in the umbilicus is 1.0cm and the others 0.5cm. The procedure is known as laparoscopic hernia repair.
2. SILS/Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. A single 2cm incision in the umbilicus to repair the defect.
3. Robotic Surgery where the state-of-the-art daVinci surgical system is used. With this method, the surgeon operates in a 3-D environment with 10x magnification using computer-aided instruments that eliminates tremors
4. Open surgery. This is the last resort

We have an extensive experience with good results.

How long does the operation take?

Depending on the size, it usually takes about 1 hour.

How long do I have to stay in hospital?

Most patients go home on the same day.

For more information please make an appointment with our hernia specialist.

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