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Hernia All FAQ
Cost
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How much does hernia operation cost?The cost of hernia repair is variable in nature. The actual cost of the surgery borne by the patient varies depending on their indvidualistic needs. The final cost the patent has to pay depends on factors such as type of hernia cured, severity of hernia, type of technology used, skills of the surgery and type of the hospital.
What is the average cost of hernia surgery without insurance?The average cost of hernia surgery that each patient has to pay is different. Ideally, a patient must make the decision of financing the procedure through health insurance plans. If not possible to do so, they can avail other financing options such as zero cost EMI from banks and other financing agencies.
Diet
What diet a patient should follow after hernia surgery?Surgeons recommend patients to follow a liquid diet for the initial days of the recovery of hernia repair. A liquid diet mainly entails thick soups, broth, fresh juices and water. After a couple of days, the patient can gradually shift to consuming soft foods without spices such as dalia, khichdi, dal, mashed potatoes, etc.
What to eat after hernia surgery?Diet is an integral part of recovery after hernia repair. Therefore, doctors ask patients to include food items such as rice, eggs, yogurt, beans and lentils, nuts, etc, in their daily diet. In addition to this, staying hydrated is important to reduce risk of constipation. Therefore, drinking lots of fluids such as juices, water, etc are also recommended.
Difference
What is the difference between open and laparoscopic hernia surgery?During the open hernia repair, the doctor makes a large incision using a knife and then pushes the tissues back to its original position. The chances of infection and complications are high with this procedure. Also, higher chances of bloodloss is associated with this procedure. Whereas, the doctor relies on a laparoscope (specialized tool with a camera mounted on the top) during the laparoscopic hernia repair to make smaller incisions. With this procedure, the risk of any major complications is reduced to almost zero. Moreover, due to smaller incisions, there is lesser chances of bloodloss and eventually, the patient is able to recover fast too.
Exercise
What exercises are allowed after hernia operation?Once the recovery starts, patients should not indulge in any core exercises that can put pressure on the wounds. However, surgeons prescribe to go for light walks after couple of hours of resting regularly to promote blood circulation throughout the body. After six weeks into the recovery, the patient can resume with cardio exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, etc.
How to workout after hernia surgery?The patient should avoid any type of stretching, bending or lifting heavyweights in the initial days of the recovery. After six weeks of hernia surgery, the patient can resume cardio exercises such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling, jogging, etc. The patient can gradually shift to exercises that target the core such as planks, bench presses, etc. after 12 weeks of the procedure. The workout regime should be consulted with an expert before starting.
Insurance
Is hernia surgery covered under medical insurance?Yes. Hernia surgery is one of the medical procedures that are covered by most medical insurance plans in India. The health insurance plan can provide partial or whole coverage for the procedure and even provide additional benefits such as discounted rate on diagnostic test, ambulance charges, etc.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Can a hernia be treated without medication?No. Hernia is a medical condition that cannot be treated with only medicines. Wearing a hernia belt may prevent the problem from getting worse. However, this doesn't offer permanent solution. The only effective treatment option that can cure a hernia is a surgery in which the surgeons puts back the displaced organ back to its original position and strengthens it with a 3D mesh.
Pain
Is hernia surgery painful?Hernia surgery is a painless procedure to undergo. The reason being that the entire surgical procedure is performed under the influence of anesthesia. Surgeons administer anesthesia prior to the procedure which numbs the area and the patient is unable to feel any pain or discomfort. Post-procedure, there can be some mild pain or swelling around the wounds which can last for a couple of days.
Preparation
How to prepare for hernia surgery?Preparation is an important part of any treatment. Surgeons ask patients to prepare in the following ways-
Complete all the diagnostic tests including blood and urine tests, stop smoking and consuming alcohol at least a week before the surgery, avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.
Complete all the diagnostic tests including blood and urine tests, stop smoking and consuming alcohol at least a week before the surgery, avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding.
Procedure
What happens during hernia surgery?The primary objective of a hernia repair is to put the displaced tissue back to its place. The procedure starts with the administration of anesthesia-local or general. Once the patient is sedated, the doctor makes small incisions near the affected area. With the help of a laparoscope, a long slender-like instrument, the displaced organ or tissue is then put back to its original place and then a 3D mesh is place around the weakened area to strengthen it. Then, the incisions are closed with surgical glue or sutures.
Recovery
How to sleep after hernia surgery?After the hernia surgery, the patient needs to make sure that no extreme pressure is put around the treated area. Therefore, in the initial days of the recovery, the patient needs to sleep by propping a couple of extra pillows under the head so that they sleep in a 45 degree angle. After a couple of days, the patient can start sleeping on their sideways. However, sleeping on the stomach should be absolutely avoided.
What are the do's and don'ts to follow after hernia surgery?Patients should diligently follow so do's and don'ts after hernia repair. Some of the aftercare tips to follow are- engage in light activities such as running, walking, jogging, etc. to promote blood circulation, taking proper care of the wounds at regular intervals and consume a healthy diet that includes lots of fiber and fluids. Some of the things that should be completely avoided are- lifting heavyweights, engaging in strenous activities or exercising, driving, overeating, missing out follow-ups with the doctor, etc.
How long does the pain stay after hernia surgery?It is possible that there can be some pain and swelling around the incisions for 2-3 days after the recovery. This is a common side effect that occurs after hernia surgery and can be easily curbed with proper medicines and aftercare tips. However, if the pain continues for a couple of days, get in touch with the doctor without any further delay.
When can I walk after hernia surgery?The patient can walk immediately after the hernia surgery, provided the effects of anesthesia wears off. In fact, it is recommended by surgeons that patients walk for a couple of minutes regularly and not sit for long hours without any movement. Continuous movement helps in blood circulation around the wounds and minimizes the risk of seroma.
How much weight a patient can lift after hernia surgery?For the initial 15 days of the recovery, patients should not lift any heavyweight whatsoever. Extra weight can put extra pressure around the wounds and open the incisions that can lead to bleeding or infections. After two weeks, if surgeons seems it fit, the patients can resume lifting heavywrights, but not more than 15 pounds.
When can I travel by flight after hernia surgery?Generally, surgeons claim that it is okay to fly within 24 hours of the procedure. However, if it is best if patients recover completely and resume flying after a period of 4-6 weeks. By this time, the wounds dry up and there is no swelling or pain too.
After how many days of hernia surgery can I have intercourse?Patients can resume having sexual intercourse after 3 weeks of the procedure. However, let pain be your guide. In case there is any pain or discomfort during sex, stop immediately and speak with the surgeon who can guide properly.
How long should I rest after hernia surgery?Patients should take complete rest for the initial 24 hours of the recovery. This is to ensure that the effects of anesthesia wears off completely. With the laparoscopic technique, patients are able to recover within 2-3 days.
When can I drink alcohol after hernia surgery?Surgeons prescribe patients to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for the entire duration when they are on medications of the recovery. The components of the alcohol can mix with the medicines and prove to be fatal. Patients should also not consume or resume taking any medicines without any consultation with the surgeon.
How long should I take off from work for hernia surgery?As patients are back on their feet within 2-3 days of the laparoscopic hernia repair, they should take off from work accordingly. They can resume work after a couple of days provided that they do not overstrain themselves. In case the patient's job includes lifting heavyweights or any strenous activities, they should take atleast one week of off from work.
When to remove dressing after hernia surgery?Generally, patients need to keep the dressing for 24-48 hours of the procedure. After the follow-up, if the surgeon seems it fit, the patient can remove the dressing totally.
Risk
Can a hernia mesh be removed?Yes. Although rare, the condition is not unheard of. In case the patient feels discomfort or pain due to the mesh, a second surgical procedure is recommended to remove the mesh.
Can hernia surgery cause erectile dysfunction?No. But it is common for people to experience sexual dysfunction after hernia surgery, especially if inguinal hernia is cured. This is a temporary condition that cures on its own. However if the problem continues, get in touch with a specialist.
Can a hernia come back after the surgery?Yes. If patients fail to follow the post-operative care and falls back on continuing unhealthy lifestyle habits, the hernia can recur due to the weakening of the tissue. Therefore, once the procedure is complete, patients should take proper aftercare tips.
Can excessive coughing damage hernia repair?Yes. Coughing excessively puts strain on the wounds that can eventually open due to the pressure. Doctors recommend to hold the wound area lightly while coughing or sneezing to reduce this strain.
Can hernia surgery cause varicocele?Although rare, yes it is possible. After an inguinal hernia repair, if the venous blood supply from the testicle gets damaged, the chances of developing a varicocele increases manifold.
Can mesh from hernia repair cause problems?Yes. As the mesh is a foreign object for the body, there is a possibility of some side effects. Some of the common complications associated with the mesh include adhesions, infection, obstruction with bowel movements, pain in the abdomen, etc. These are common phenomenon that can occur and can be cured with proper aftercare tips.
What are the complications that can occur with laparoscopic hernia operation?Although very rare, some of the complications that have been reported during laparoscopic hernia surgery are- seroma, urinary retention, testicular pain, mesh infection, wound infection, pain in the testicles, injury to other neighboring organs, bleeding, severe pain, constipation, pain in the shoulder, etc. These are some common side effects that people report after procedure. With proper aftercare tips, these can be cured absolutely.
Can I feel the mesh after hernia surgery?No. Generally, patients don't feel the pressure of the mesh once it has been placed inside the weakened part of the abdomen to provide support. However, when surrounding nerves or blood vessels get entrapped within the mesh, they can feel some pain and mild swelling. It is advised to visit the surgeon in case the pain or swelling don't subside with eventually.
Severity
Is hernia surgery serious?Yes. Similar to any other surgical procedure, hernia surgery is considered a major surgery. Therefore, patient must follow every precautions recommended by the surgeon before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of any complications.
Side Effect
What are the side effects that can occur after laparoscopic hernia surgery?Some of the side effects that are associated with laparoscopic hernia surgery include seroma, urinary retention, testicular pain, mesh infection, wound infection, pain in the testicles, injury to other neighboring organs, bleeding, severe pain, constipation, pain in the shoulder, etc. These are some common complications associated with hernia surgery and can be cured with proper post-operative instructions.
Success Rate
What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia surgery?The success rate of laparoscopic hernia surgery is comparatively higher than most of the other treatment options available such as open hernia repair. According to a research study, with the laparoscopic technique, the rate of recurrence of hernia is reduced to almost 11% that too due to failure of the patient to follow proper post-operative tips.
Surgeon
Which surgeons perform hernia surgery?General surgeons are experienced as well as specially trained to cure abdominal problems such as hernia, gallstones, etc. The surgeons have to undergo an intensive training for five years and learn in depth about the human anatomy before practicing.
How much does hernia operation cost?The cost of hernia repair is variable in nature. The actual cost of the surgery borne by the patient varies depending on their indvidualistic needs. The final cost the patent has to pay depends on factors such as type of hernia cured, severity of hernia, type of technology used, skills of the surgery and type of the hospital.
What is the average cost of hernia surgery without insurance?The average cost of hernia surgery that each patient has to pay is different. Ideally, a patient must make the decision of financing the procedure through health insurance plans. If not possible to do so, they can avail other financing options such as zero cost EMI from banks and other financing agencies.
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