Vishwas Bhargav, 47, understood the importance of laparoscopic hernia surgery when he ignored his abdominal pain and swelling one too many times.
“I had been plagued with pain in my abdomen for some time, but I ignored the symptoms. I realized my mistake when the pain got worse as I bent over to pick up my luggage at the airport,” recalls Vishwas.
“People have the misconception that a small hernia is not harmful. But, in fact, there is a greater chance of obstructed or strangulated hernia in case of a small hernia,” explains Dr. Amarchand S Bajaj, Senior Consultant, General Surgery at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital, Delhi.
Hernia Examination & Diagnosis
Vishwas was driven to Sitaram Bhartia Hospital’s 24-hour emergency room and given a painkiller to ease the pain.
Upon investigation, Vishwas confirmed he was suffering from the following hernia symptoms:
- Severe pain when coughing, bending over, or lifting things
- Swelling in the abdomen that increases when you cough, or strain in case of constipation, or have difficulty passing urine (prostatic symptoms)
- Difficulty in passing stool or wind (flatus)
- Nausea or vomiting
“If the swelling in your abdomen reduces or disappears when you lie down, your hernia may be called ‘reducible’. With time, however, the swelling may not reduce even if you try to push it in. This hernia has become ‘irreducible’.”
An irreducible hernia accompanied with pain may be an indication of an obstructed or strangulated hernia, wherein the muscle or bowel gets trapped in the abdominal wall.
Unless your symptoms worsen to the point that they start interfering with day-to-day living or giving chronic pain, you can put off your surgery until a convenient time.
It is important to note, however, that there is no non-surgical or medicinal treatment for a hernia. For both reducible and irreducible hernia, operation is required.
After a thorough hernia examination, the doctor confirmed the diagnosis of obstructed inguinal hernia.
Vishwas was advised laparoscopic hernia surgery immediately to avoid further complications.
What causes a hernia in adults?
Hernia is a condition in which an internal body part protrudes through the abdomen.
“Hernia usually affects men and is often associated with ageing. This could be because of the weakness of the muscles,” says Dr. Bajaj.
However, some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause.
It is important you consult a surgeon for a hernia operation at the earliest because your hernia may become strangulated if left untreated for too long.
Which is the best surgery for hernia?
Vishwas was advised the minimally-invasive surgical procedure (MIS) for hernia repair that involves a specialized technique using a mesh to treat the condition. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is less invasive than an open hernia procedure.
“Is laparoscopic hernia surgery safe? Is it painful?” asked Vishwas in order to get all the information before he went ahead with the operation.
“MIS employs fewer and smaller cuts, which results in minimal pain after surgery and less risk of hernia surgery complications developing.”
How long is recovery from a laparoscopic hernia surgery?
“Keyhole laparoscopic hernia operation allows you to have a shorter hernia surgery recovery time and hospital stay. Hence, you can resume daily activities within a couple of days of surgery.”
Vishwas understood that delaying the surgery in his case could cause inadvertent issues.
“Initially I was scared of surgery but Dr. Bajaj helped relieve my doubts about hernia operation, cost, and other complications,” says Vishwas.
Vishwas realized the more he delayed hernia repair, the worse it could become. The doctor’s confidence helped him go ahead with the hernia repair surgery.
Hernia Surgery Recovery Tips
After Vishwas’ laparoscopic hernia repair went off smoothly, he was advised to not lift any heavy objects for a few weeks post-surgery.
“I was able to resume work within a week, and had no pain or other complaints,” shared Vishwas happily on his follow-up consultation.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Cost
At Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in South Delhi, we provide high standards of quality and safety and strive to meet your budget.
Hernia operation cost can differ based on various factors such as type of hernia you are diagnosed with, mesh type, any pre-existing health problems conditions that could necessitate investigations, medicines, and consumables etc.
In many cases, hernia symptoms can be treated to ease the quality of everyday life. But a proper diagnosis at the hands of experts is recommended before these symptoms begin to worsen.
Come in for a consultation with Dr. Amarchand Bajaj! Call us on +918800816657 to book your appointment.