Undergoing a hernia repair surgery is the only treatment to permanently repair a hernia. If the hernia does not cause any pain or discomfort, the doctor may recommend a watchful waiting and continue observing the hernia until the patient is ready to undergo a surgery. In most cases, doctors recommend surgical repair of the hernia to prevent potential complications that can be life-threatening. 

1)  Open Hernia Repair Surgery – This is the conventional and commonly performed hernia repair surgery around the globe. In an open surgery for hernia repair, the surgeon makes a cut or incision in the groin after which the hernia “sac” containing the bulging intestine is identified. The surgeon then pushes the hernia back into the abdomen and closes the abdominal wall with stitches. In case the opening is large, the surgeon may use a synthetic mesh to strengthen the closure through which the hernia protrudes.

2)  Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery – This is comparatively a much-advanced procedure for inguinal hernia treatment. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery refers to the surgical procedure that is performed through tiny incisions instead of a large opening. The surgeon will make minute incisions depending upon the severity of the hernia, through which a thin laparoscope with a camera attached to it is inserted and the abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas (CO2), which creates space for the surgeon to view the internal structures. The surgeon in this procedure might use a synthetic mesh to strengthen the abdominal wall. After the procedure is completed, the small abdominal incisions are closed and within a month, the incisions are barely visible. Doctors don’t advise this procedure of hernia repair for children and pregnant women.

 3)  Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery – A Robotic Hernia Repair Surgery is very similar to that of a laparoscopic hernia repair surgery as it uses a laparoscope that guides the surgeon to view inside the abdomen and repair the hernia. This type of surgery only differs from laparoscopic surgery to the extent that, in this type of surgery, the surgeon is seated at a console in the operating room and handles the surgical instruments from the console in the operation theatre. The use of the robot provides excellent three-dimensional images of the inside of the abdomen, and it allows the surgeon to use minimal stitches and place the artificial mesh to reconstruct the abdominal wall.

• As with most surgeries, preparation for hernia surgery will involve restrictions in terms of diet. To ensure a safe treatment, one will be asked to refrain from drinking water, food, or any other fluids for six hours prior to the treatment as food present within the digestive system might lead to certain complications during the surgery.
• While some drugs might be prescribed to be taken beforehand to aid the surgery, a certain number of drugs should be avoided for up to a week before the surgery because of the various effects they can have over the body. 
• Drugs like aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications) and Vitamin E should be avoided prior to a week before the surgery.
• Preoperative preparations include medical evaluations such as blood tests, chest x-rays and electrocardiography tests depending on the person’s age and medical condition.
• It is recommended to take a shower before going for the operation as the surgical area must be kept dry after the operation.

• The patient will be given a general anaesthesia so that the patient does not feel any sort of pain or discomfort during the surgery.
• Depending upon the severity of the given condition, small incisions will be made around the affected area, which will help the surgeon to push back the hernia inside.
• Through one of the incisions, the surgeon inserts a laparoscope which is a medical device having an inbuilt camera which enables them to view the internal structures.
• A surgical mesh is inserted through the incision which supports the damaged tissue around the hernia as it heals.
• After placing the mesh over the open hernia, the surgeon uses additional medical devices such as tacks, sutures, and surgical glue to hold the surgical mesh in its place.
• The small incisions are then closed with stitches or sutures that dissolve on their own over time.

•  It is best advised to avoid lifting anything that can make one strain and exert physical pressure for a particular time duration as it can lead the hernia to reoccur and can also invite certain other complications post the surgery.

• It is important to maintain a diet that includes a good amount of fibre and fluids after a hernia surgery or any surgery in general as it is best not to have constipation. It is always advisable to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor.

• The surgical area must be kept dry and clean for at least 48 hours and even if one takes a shower, the area surrounding the surgery should be pat dry to avoid any further infection.

• One should keep themselves hydrated and drink as much water as possible to avoid complications like constipation or straining during bowel movements.

The cost of a laparoscopic hernia surgery may vary depending on various factors such as the type of hernia, severity of the condition and hospitalization. The cost of a laparoscopic hernia repair surgery may vary between Rs 65,000 to Rs 1,25,000. To find out about a hernia surgery cost for yourself, you may contact the medical assistance team of a particular Pristyn Care clinic or hospital.

The intestine or the protruding tissues through the abdominal wall are pushed back and a surgical mesh is placed around the damaged tissue. Over a period of time, the hernia will itself. However, to prevent the hernia from recurring, it is extremely important to avoid physically stressful activities and take adequate precaution to get the most effective results.