The digestive tract, as well as other systems in the human body, has a unique function. It is responsible for obtaining the necessary and important nutrients for various stages of the body: growth, locomotion, reproduction, and respiration, among others. Through the food we eat, all the energy necessary for the maintenance of life is produced.
Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Procedure | Sydney Gut Clinic.
When any abnormality appears, surgical intervention is necessary to repair the damage. Among the many diseases that can arise in the digestive system, we will focus on hernias. Protrusion (exit) of a portion of the intra-abdominal contents (adipose tissue, large or small intestine loops) through a hole in the abdominal wall, hernias can affect the region above the navel, umbilical, inguinal (groin).
See below the types of hernia:
Inguinal: which happens in the groin, being the most common to appear;
Femoral: the one that appears just below the groin;
Umbilical: it appears in the umbilical scar;
Epigastric: located just above the navel;
Incisional: appears in the scars from previous surgical procedures.
Hernias appear already at birth or appear later due to several causes, such as heavy work. These anomalies cause pain in the groin, navel, or abdomen that usually appears when the person lifts heavy objects, coughs, or strains during physiological needs. When the hernia becomes strangulated, the person may experience redness, pain, and a rise in local temperature (fever).
Surgery is the only method to correct the hernia. Performed to seek pain relief and prevent more serious problems, the surgical procedure is especially recommended for patients at high risk of hernia strangulation. There are two surgical treatment options:
Conventional
The most common procedure, in which the repair is done is the traditional herniorrhaphy (open and without any tension). Generally, this surgical procedure is performed under epidural anesthesia. A large incision is made over the hernia. Then, the tissue is dissected and pushed back. Soon after, a synthetic mesh is placed over the support defect. After surgery, recovery time is around one month to six weeks.
Laparoscopic approach
Seeking a surgical procedure without much invasion and cuts is the most recent technique. Performed with general anesthesia, three small incisions are made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is applied to form a "working space" and a thin instrument with a camera (laparoscope) is used for the surgeon to observe inside the patient's body, avoiding large cuts. This surgical method causes less trauma to the patient's body, less pain after the operation, and a shorter recovery (tends to last a week). There is a risk of viscera puncture, but this risk is small.
Final Thoughts
The laparoscopic approach is the best and safest way to treat hernia. You can always purchase your laparoscopic equipment from our laparoscopy catalogue on our website. Also, check out our full range of Jensen surgical products here. For more information, reach out to us via the contact us page on our website
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