Top-Rated Hernia Surgeon in Jaipur

What is a hernia?

A hernia develops when an organ protrudes through a gap in the muscle or tissue meant to support it. For instance, weakened spots in the abdominal wall can allow the intestines to push through.

While hernias often manifest in the abdominal region, spanning between the chest and hips, they can also emerge in the upper thigh and groin regions.

Though typically not immediately life-threatening, hernias do not resolve without intervention. Surgery may be necessary to avert potential perilous complications.

Types of hernia

There are several types of hernias, each named based on its location in the body:

• Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common type of hernia and occurs when a part of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area.
• Hiatal Hernia: This type of hernia involves the upper part of the stomach pushing up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. It can cause symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
• Umbilical Hernia: This occurs when a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the belly button (umbilicus). It’s common in infants but can also occur in adults, especially in women who have been pregnant multiple times or in people who are overweight.
• Incisional Hernia: This type of hernia develops at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal wall is weakened.
• Femoral Hernia: Similar to inguinal hernias, femoral hernias occur when tissue protrudes into the groin area. However, femoral hernias are less common and tend to occur more frequently in women, protruding through the passage that carries the femoral artery, vein, and nerve.
• Ventral Hernia: This type of hernia occurs in the abdominal wall and can happen anywhere from the middle of the chest to the groin area. It’s often the result of weakened abdominal muscles due to previous surgery or injury.

Causes of Hernias

Hernias stem from a blend of muscle weakness and strain, with their onset varying from rapid to gradual.

Several factors contribute to muscle weakness or strain, paving the way for hernias:

• Congenital conditions, originating during prenatal development and persisting from birth.
• Advancing age.
• Trauma or surgical procedures causing muscle damage.
• Vigorous physical exertion or lifting heavy objects.
• Persistent coughing or conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• Pregnancy, particularly after multiple pregnancies.
• Straining during bowel movements due to constipation.
• Excess weight or obesity.
• Presence of ascites.

Certain risk factors heighten the likelihood of hernia development:

• Premature birth or low birth weight.
• Advanced age.
• Chronic coughing, often linked to repetitive abdominal pressure.
• Conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
• Pregnancy.
• Chronic constipation.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Smoking, contributing to connective tissue weakening.
• Personal or familial history of hernias.

Treatment for Hernias

Surgical repair remains the most effective means of treating a hernia. The necessity for surgery hinges on the hernia’s size and the severity of associated symptoms.

Your physician might opt for a watchful waiting strategy, monitoring the hernia for potential complications.

In certain instances, wearing a truss could alleviate hernia symptoms. A truss is a supportive undergarment designed to hold the hernia in place. It’s crucial to consult your doctor to ensure proper fit before using a truss.

For hiatal hernias, both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that reduce stomach acid can alleviate discomfort and enhance symptoms. These medications encompass antacids, H2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

The procedure of robotic hernia surgery in Jaipur

Before the procedure, you may be asked to empty your bladder or, if necessary, a Foley catheter may be used to collect urine during the repair.

Throughout the surgery, the surgeon sits at a console adjacent to your bedside, gaining control over the robotic surgical instruments employed in the operation.

The general sequence of steps typically involves:

• Administering general anesthesia to induce sleep, ensuring you experience no pain during the surgery.
• Making several (usually three or four) incisions through which the surgeon inserts a slender, telescope-like instrument known as a laparoscope. This device connects to a video camera, smaller than a dime, projecting a detailed three-dimensional view of your internal organs onto screens in the operating room.
  Inflating your abdomen with harmless carbon dioxide gas to enhance the visibility of the internal structures requiring attention.
• Maneuvering the robot to conduct the hernia repair, which may include stitching tissues together and reinforcing them with mesh.
• Upon completion of the repair, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures or staples.
• As for the duration of robotic hernia repair, the time varies based on the complexity of the procedure. Simple repairs may take as little as 30 minutes, while more intricate surgeries could extend to five hours or more. Research indicates that, on average, robotic hernia repair may take longer compared to laparoscopic procedures without robotic assistance or traditional open surgery.

Benefits of robotic hernia repair surgery in Jaipur

Robotic hernia repair surgery offers several benefits compared to traditional open or laparoscopic procedures, and these advantages are applicable regardless of the location, including Jaipur. Here are some benefits:

Precision: Robotic surgery allows for greater precision due to the magnified 3D view and the articulating instruments controlled by the surgeon. This precision can lead to better outcomes and reduced risk of complications.

Less Invasive: Robotic hernia repair is minimally invasive, meaning smaller incisions are made compared to open surgery. This often results in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times for patients.

Reduced Blood Loss: The precise movements of robotic instruments and improved visibility can lead to reduced blood loss during surgery, which is particularly beneficial for patients with certain medical conditions or those at higher risk of complications.

Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients undergoing robotic hernia repair surgery typically experience shorter hospital stays compared to those undergoing traditional open surgery. This can lead to faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities.

Lower Risk of Infection: Minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery, can reduce the risk of postoperative infections compared to open surgery, as smaller incisions result in less tissue trauma and reduced exposure to bacteria.

Improved Cosmesis: The smaller incisions used in robotic hernia repair surgery often result in less visible scarring, which can improve the cosmetic outcome for patients.

Customized Approach: The robotic system allows surgeons to tailor the procedure to the specific needs of each patient, potentially improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.

Quicker Recovery: Because robotic surgery is less invasive and involves smaller incisions, patients typically experience quicker recovery times and can return to their normal activities sooner compared to traditional open surgery.