An abdominal hernia refers to a protrusion of tissue through the abdominal wall. There are several types of abdominal hernias, and each is classified based on their placement and cause. Abdominal hernias are common, occurring in about 10 percent of the total population.
Activities like heavy lifting, child birth or straining during a bowel movement can increase your risk of developing a hernia, or potentially worsen an existing hernia. The most common symptom of any type of hernia is abdominal pain at the hernia’s location. Surgery is the only successful form of treatment for abdominal hernias.
Minimally invasive hernia repair uses laparoscopic surgical methods to strengthen the abdominal wall and return the protruded tissue to its proper placement.
Hernia repair surgery uses a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera, light and other surgical tools to repair the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope, your surgeon will repair the hernia through three to five minor holes in the abdomen, rather than creating one large incision wound.
During hernia surgery, the abdominal wall is reinforced with a mesh sheet that plugs the abdominal tear.
The laparoscopic surgical methods permit for reduced post-operative pain, faster recovery period and less risk of infection. Laparoscopic surgery also reduces the risk of developing an incisional hernia at the surgical wound site.
Your general surgeon will give you general guidelines to promote healing, like reducing physical activity and refraining from heavy lifting.
