Open Incisional Hernia Repair/Surgery in Warangal

An incisional hernia develops in approximately one-third of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. It is a condition where the tissues of the abdomen protrude through a weak area in the abdominal wall, usually on or near the site of the incision of the past surgery. Treatment for this condition is through surgery only. The surgery may be open repair, herniorrhaphy, or laparoscopic, robotics-assisted surgery.

An incisional hernia is the protrusion of tissue from the abdomen through a scar from the incision of previous abdominal surgery. Incisional hernia accounts for 15-20% of all types of hernias.
People who have undergone abdominal surgery will most likely suffer from an incisional hernia. The first 3 to 6 months after surgery are crucial, as this is the healing period. Any strenuous activity, pregnancy, or excessive weight gain can cause extra strain on the abdominal wall tissue. This causes it to stretch, and the insides of the abdomen start bulging through this weakened abdominal wall.
The treatment for this type of hernia is surgery. The hernia is pushed back, and a synthetic mesh is placed for extra support to prevent a recurrence. The surgery is either open hernia repair or laparoscopic, robotics-assisted surgery.
 

The treatment for an incisional hernia is based on several factors. Your surgeon will weigh in on factors like your general health, the location and extent of the incisional hernia, and your future physical activity levels. An assessment of whether the hernia has caused any damage to the results of the previous surgery and whether there is a need for additional corrective surgeries is also done before incisional hernia surgery.
Repairing an incisional hernia involves pushing back the protruding tissue in its place and placing a mesh for extra support. It can be either of the following types-
Open incisional hernia repair: This surgery involves making an incision on the abdomen, usually near the incisional scar of the previous surgery. The hernia is pushed back manually, and the abdominal wall is restitched with a mesh for additional support. The mesh also helps in preventing a recurrence.
Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon makes several small incisions on the area around the hernia. He then inserts a laparoscope fitted with a camera through one of the incisions. Guided by the images transmitted by the camera, the surgeon completes the repair work.
 

Open incisional hernia repair is one of the surgical procedures used to treat an incisional hernia. The procedure involves making a large incision over the site of the hernia. Open incisional hernia repair is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 90 minutes to 3 hours.
The surgery is done in 2 steps:
1. The protruding abdominal tissue is pushed back into its rightful place. The weak spot in the abdominal wall is stitched. This is called herniorrhaphy.
2. A mesh is sewn into place for additional support. The mesh also helps in preventing a recurrence. This is called hernioplasty.
 

Surgery is the only way to treat any form of hernia. An incisional hernia requires surgery if it becomes symptomatic and creates complications. If you have been advised surgery, you must get operated on immediately. Here is how you can prepare for the surgery-

Before The Surgery

• Your surgeon will discuss your medical history with you in detail. You should inform your surgeon about any past surgeries, allergies to any medicines, or any preexisting medical condition(s), and if you are on any dietary supplements.
• You will be advised to stop medications like blood thinners a couple of days before the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding during and after the surgery.
• A thorough physical examination of your hernia will be conducted. The lump will be checked for any tenderness, hardness, and mobility.
• Routine tests like blood work, urine examination, X-ray, and ECG will be performed. An ultrasound (USG) scan of the abdominal area where the hernia has developed will be done. This test scans the insides of your abdomen and creates images using high-frequency sound waves. Other imaging tests like a Computed tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be done if needed. 
• You will be explained in detail about the procedure and its outlook by your surgeon.
• You will be asked to get admitted to the hospital a day before the surgery.

On the day before the surgery, you will be asked to fast for at least 12 hours before the surgery. You will be administered fluids through a catheter inserted into your vein. Some blood tests, urine examination, X-ray, and electrocardiogram (ECG) will be done some days before the surgery as a pre-anesthetic routine check..

During The Surgery

• You will be administered general anesthesia.
• A large incision will be made over the site of the incisional hernia. The hernia is located, and the protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdomen.
• The weakened abdominal wall is sutured. A synthetic mesh is placed for extra support and to prevent recurrence.
• Drainage tubes are inserted to drain the extra blood and lymphatic fluid (extra fluid from the tissue is drained through lymph vessels).

The surgeon may have to perform additional repairs if the incisional hernia has caused damage to the results of the previous surgery. 
 

Once the surgery is completed, you will be wheeled into an observation room. Your vitals i.e., the body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and pulse, will be monitored. After a couple of hours, you will be shifted to your room. Here is what you can expect after the surgery.

After The Surgery

• You will be kept in the hospital for 3 to 4 days.
• For about a day after the surgery, you will be given intravenous fluids through the catheter in the vein. After 24 hours, you can slowly start eating and drinking.
• You will be asked to walk slowly with support a day after the surgery. A nurse or a physiotherapist will assist you.
• You will be asked to use the spirometer regularly to keep the lungs healthy and prevent pneumonia.
• On the day of discharge, you will be given detailed instructions on wound care and dressing methods. You will also be given a list of symptoms to watch out for. 
• You will be sent home with an appointment for the next follow-up visit.

Recovery from an open incisional hernia repair takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Here are some tips that will help you to recover quickly:

• Do not over-exert yourself. While it is true that you will heal faster if you are active, remember that you will also get exhausted quickly, so it is important to rest a lot.
• Eat slowly and at regular intervals. Do not load your tummy with food.
• Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. Avoid fatty, oily food and foods rich in spices and salt.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
• Keep the surgical area clean and dry at all times. 
• Do not shower for 2 days post-surgery as you may increase the risk of infection. 
• Make sure the wound is always kept dry.
• Follow all the instructions on how to take care of the dressing and the wound.

All surgeries come with their fair share of risks. A skilled and experienced surgeon can greatly minimize the risks. 
Some of the risks associated with an open incisional hernia repair.

• Infection at the site of the wound
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
• Damage to the nearby nerves and blood vessels
• A blood clot in your legs or lungs
• Formation of a hematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (collection of fluid) under the wound
• Injury to the bowel
• Inability to pass urine
• Need for the removal of your belly button

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!