Hernia treatment

Symptoms

The onset of a hernia is indicated by mild discomfort and slight pain in the affected area of the body during physical exertion. The pain may be dull, pulling, and accompanied by itching, along with a palpable or visible bulge—known as the hernia sac—that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining the abdomen. Through an opening, called the hernia gate, abdominal organs such as the intestines, stomach, omentum, bladder, and others may protrude into the hernia sac. Depending on the contents of the hernia sac, additional symptoms may arise, such as digestive issues and urinary problems. In women, inguinal hernias may present as nonspecific pain in the lower pelvis and thigh, while in men, they may cause a bulge in the scrotum, leading to an enlarged testicle. Initially, a person may be able to push the bulge back in, but over time, this becomes impossible, leading to a complicated hernia that may result in incarceration. Incarceration occurs when an abdominal organ becomes trapped in the hernia sac, causing compression and disrupting its blood supply.

How is the surgery performed?

Hernia laparoscopy is a surgical technique performed under general anesthesia using long instruments through small incisions in the abdominal cavity. The abdomen is first filled with gas to create space, and then a laparoscope—a thin instrument equipped with a miniature video camera and light source—is inserted through the small incisions. The camera transmits a magnified image to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure while viewing the screen.

For hernia repair, the TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) technique is commonly used. During the procedure, a synthetic mesh implant is placed inside the abdomen to reinforce the weakened area and prevent hernia recurrence. This mesh remains in the body permanently. The choice of the most suitable material for the implant is determined by the surgeon.