Incisional hernia is hernia occurring at the site of previous surgical incision. These may develop soon after the surgery or any time later. A number of factors predispose to incisional hernia. These include excessive abdominal strain due to excessive muscular effort or lifting heavy weights, coughing, weak abdominals and obesity. Also, poor healing of the tissues due to infection, poor nutrition, long term steroids etc. may be a cause of incisional hernia.
Procedure: Laparoscopic hernia repair is done under general anesthesia. Small incisions are made in the abdominal wall through which surgical instruments including a laparoscope are inserted. With these, the protruding organs are pushed back into place and a large piece of prosthetic mesh is placed under the hernia defect. The mesh is anchored in to place with sutures/ staples and secured to the anterior abdominal wall.
Generally, most patients stay in the hospital 1 or 3 days following surgery. Patients are then seen, by the surgeon, one to two weeks after discharge
Advantages & Disadvantages:
No surgery is free of risks. However laparoscopic hernia repair is beneficial in terms of faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and less pain in the post operative period