Open vs. Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: Which is Better?

Hernia surgery is one of the most common performed surgeries around the world. A hernia develops when internal organs push through weak points that exist in muscle or tissue walls. Doctors perform two types of hernia repair through open hernia surgery and laparoscopic hernia surgery. The two procedures deliver successful results through different methods which produce distinct post-operative experiences and recovery patterns and patient comfort levels.

The blog provides you with information about these two techniques through explanations of their benefits and drawbacks and their suitability for your needs.

What Is a Hernia?

A hernia develops when internal organs or tissues move through weak points which form in muscle or connective tissue walls. The three main hernia types include inguinal (groin) and umbilical (belly button) and incisional hernias which form from surgical cuts. The three primary symptoms of hernias include visible swelling and pain that intensifies when performing activities like lifting and coughing and bending. 

The failure to treat hernias leads to dangerous medical conditions which require immediate hospitalization.

Open Hernia Surgery: Traditional Approach

The procedure of open hernia surgery requires surgeons to create one big incision at the hernia location to expose and fix the protruding tissue. The medical field has used this technique as their primary method for hernia treatment for many decades.

Advantages:

• Widely available and familiar to most surgeons.
• Can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
• The treatment method works best for patients who have big or complex hernias.

Disadvantages:

• The amount of postoperative pain that patients experience depends on the size of their surgical incisions.
• The recovery process takes longer than usual because it usually lasts between 4 to 6 weeks.
• Higher risk of infection and scarring.

Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery: Minimally Invasive Technique

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, uses small incisions and a camera (laparoscope) to guide the surgeon in repairing the hernia. The medical field now prefers this technique because it provides superior results than traditional open surgery methods.

Advantages:

• The use of smaller incisions results in lower postoperative pain levels for patients.
• The recovery period allows patients to resume their normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks because the healing process takes a brief amount of time.
• The procedure brings down infection risks while creating minimal scarring.
• The procedure works for treating single-sided and double-sided hernias.

Disadvantages:

• The procedure requires patients to receive general anesthesia during the procedure.
• May not be suitable for very large hernias or patients with certain health conditions.
• The procedure requires particular medical equipment together with doctors who possess specialized qualifications to execute the procedure.

Which Surgery Is Right for Your Specific Needs?

The selection between open hernia surgery and laparoscopic hernia surgery depends on multiple elements which include:

• The size of the hernia along with its type will determine if open surgery provides the best treatment option for patients.
• The success rate of your procedure depends on the amount of experience your surgeon has with each surgical method.
• The results of the procedure depend on the amount of experience surgeons have with each technique.
• The patient selected laparoscopic surgery because it enables him to recover quickly.

You need to share your medical history and your typical daily routine with your doctor before he can help you decide on treatment options. You should work together to find the safest and most effective solution.

How to Prepare for Hernia Surgery

The process of achieving successful recovery requires individuals to prepare themselves correctly. The following tips are available for your reference.

• A person should maintain a healthy diet while drinking enough water.
• Smoking cessation enables patients to reach improved recovery results and decreases their chances of developing new health problems.
• Your doctor will provide all necessary pre-surgical instructions for your care.
• You need someone who will assist you following your surgical procedure.

Your doctor will determine when you can start heavy lifting and strenuous activities after your procedure. The process of healing needs constant monitoring through follow-up visits to stop the condition from coming back again.

Conclusion

Both open and laparoscopic hernia surgeries are safe and effective treatments. The treatment options provide different advantages based on what condition the patient has. The recovery time for laparoscopic surgery along with its minimal scarring makes it a good option but open surgery provides reliable results for treating complicated hernias.

The team at TAH Global Healthcare works with each patient to select their individualized surgical method through close collaboration. Our team of experienced medical professionals delivers top-notch care from surgery through recovery to create a secure and successful and painless treatment experience.

TAH Global Healthcare provides world-class treatment options and professional advice to patients who need hernia surgery so book a consultation with them today.