What Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
Laparoscopic hernia surgery basically uses a minimally invasive technique to perform a hernia repair. It involves making small incisions around the treatment site, through which specialised instruments and a laparoscope (a long, flexible tube attached to a light and camera at the end) are inserted.
Unlike traditional surgery, which often requires a long incision to access the treatment site, laparoscopic surgery only requires small keyhole incisions. This results in less scarring, less post-surgical pain, and a quicker recovery period.
Who Is Eligible for Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
One’s suitability for laparoscopic hernia surgery is determined by several factors – the patient's overall health, the size and location of the hernia, and the surgeon's expertise. Generally, laparoscopic hernia surgery is recommended for patients with smaller and less complex hernias.
This approach may not be suitable for patients with large and complicated hernias, which may require a larger area for the surgeon to manoeuvre around; or those with extensive scar tissue or irregularities in the abdominal wall.
To find out if you are a suitable candidate for a laparoscopic hernia repair, contact our clinic at 62354088 for a personalised assessment today.
What Happens During a Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
Laparoscopic hernia surgeries are performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes three to four small incisions to access the hernia. The abdomen may be gently inflated with gas in order to allow for ample space for the surgeon to operate with minimal obstruction.
A small scope attached to a camera (laparoscope) is inserted into one incision, allowing the surgeon to view the hernia and surrounding structures on a screen. Using the live video feed as guidance, the surgeon inserts small surgical instruments through the other incisions in order to repair the hernia. In some cases, a synthetic mesh will be placed to act as a support structure, preventing the hernia from recurring.
What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
In suitable cases, laparoscopic hernia surgery offers numerous benefits over traditional open surgery. The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery result in less tissue damage and less postoperative pain for patients; as well as a faster recovery.
This also means that it comes with a lower risk of complications, such as infection and bleeding. It also involves a shorter hospital stay, allowing patients to return home and resume their regular activities sooner. Finally, it provides better cosmetic results with smaller, less noticeable scars.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Wong at 62354088 to find out more about your treatment options today.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovering from a laparoscopic hernia repair should be manageable. One may experience temporary bloating and mild abdominal pain. This is normal and will subside after a few days. However, if the pain worsens over time or if it is accompanied by a fever or heavy bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Is Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Safe?
Laparoscopic hernia surgery is generally considered safe and effective with complications being rare. As with any surgical procedure, however, some risks are involved, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs.
In the hands of an experienced laparoscopic hernia surgeon, these risks will be properly managed to ensure maximum safety throughout and even after the procedure is completed.
Ultimately, the benefits of reduced pain, reduced risk of complications, and a quicker recovery often outweigh these unlikely risks among eligible patients.
Why Choose Us for Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Dr Wong Jen San is a skilled Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon with over 15 years of experience treating hernias, including the use of minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques for hernia repair. Dr Wong received his medical training in the UK, and completed a rigorous fellowship training at various established medical centres in Japan.
He previously served as a Consultant at the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant Surgery at the Singapore General Hospital, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, and a Visiting Consultant at the Department of Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Centre (Singapore).