HERNIA
SURGERY
IN TURKEY
Hernia; It is an extremely serious disease that many people face. As a result of the weakening of the muscles in the abdominal wall, an organ or tissue emerges from the weak point in the abdominal cavity and forms a hernia.
There are multiple reasons for the appearance of hernias. First of all, they occur spontaneously. In addition, they also occur due to trauma. Finally, hernia formation is encountered as a result of incisions in the previous surgical sites.
WHAT IS HERNIA SURGERY ?
There are 5 vertebrae in the lumbar region. Between these vertebrae are structures called discs. The structure of a healthy waist; The spine is in the form of the anatomical union of the joints, ligaments, discs, spinal cord and muscles that connect the spine. A wear or deterioration in these structures causes low back pain in the person. The source of these severe pains, which spread from the waist to the legs, is usually a herniated disc. Lumbar hernia occurs when the gel-like fluidity of the discs disappears over time and as a result, the disc overflowing from the ruptured wall puts pressure on the nerves.
Low back pain is a common problem in our country as well as in the world. Usually, the problem of herniated disc can be solved by resting in bed and / or drug treatment. Depending on the condition of the pain, physical therapy can also be applied. The course of treatment to be applied is determined by the patient's history, examination and data obtained from imaging tests.
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is severe and prolonged pain. These pains also bring with them limitation of movement. If the patient's pain does not go away with rest, medication or physical therapy; In this case, lumbar hernia surgery is required. In such a case, the pain reaches dimensions that prevent the person from sitting up, sleeping and doing his daily work, and lumbar hernia surgery becomes mandatory. In this type of patients, the last stage is the problem of incontinence of the toilet. The situation is too serious to be postponed and the patient should be operated on immediately. In summary; Surgery is an extremely accurate and effective solution for patients whose quality of life has decreased due to herniated disc.
Some patients apply to the doctor with power losses in their legs and feet. The sooner the patient in such a situation undergoes surgery, the higher the possibility of regaining strength in his feet and legs.
RISK FACTORS FOR LUMBAR HERNIA
The disease does not only occur with age, there are many other factors for this. Risk factors for lumbar hernia are:
Inactivity
Although we have said that the lumbar spine carries the entire weight of our body, this is not actually the case. In the background are invisible heroes supporting this vertebra. These heroes are our muscles that run along the spine. When our muscles are inactive, these muscles lose their function over time and begin to weaken. This puts an extra load on the spine. Thus, the discs in the vertebrae overlap and herniation occurs.
Excess Weight
Your body has a certain capacity. When you exceed this capacity, the body becomes both heavy and unable to support itself. As a result of this situation, the discs that are subjected to excessive pressure are deformed.
Genetics
It is not a genetically transmitted disease. But a damaged connective tissue disease from genes can create a predisposition for hernia in the body.
Occupation
Occupations with heavy physical strength, people who stand for a long time or sit for a long time have a higher risk of herniated disc. This applies not only to our profession, but also to our daily lives. Conditions such as carrying heavy items and doing housework for a long time are factors that will trigger a hernia.
LUMBAR HERNIA SYMPTOMS
Discomfort can occur differently in each person. It generally manifests as a progressive pain that spreads to the buttocks, feet or legs. You feel as if someone is sticking a needle into these organs. We have prepared a general information about the symptoms of herniated disc.
-
If you have persistent numbness or tingling in your legs or feet
-
If you feel weakness in your muscles
-
If you experience stinging or straining while moving
-
If your back hurts constantly
-
If you have pain spreading to your legs
-
If you get tired quickly
-
If you can't hold your urine and if you have a small leak
-
If you lose your balance or your feet suddenly feel free
-
If you have difficulty sitting or walking
All these items mean that you may have a herniated disc.
LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIA SURGERY
People who are faced with the problem of hernia have the question of what is laparoscopic hernia surgery. It can also be expressed as closed surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia. Although it is a procedure performed with three incisions in the lower part of the abdomen, laparoscopy technology and the appropriate patch are used.
Hernia; It is a serious problem that occurs as a result of weak abdominal wall membrane. It can also be defined as the protrusion of intra-abdominal tissues from the tear formed due to this reason. It develops in situations such as coughing, sneezing, straining and straining. In addition, it is observed that the person disappears when he is in a supine position.
It is essential that the hernia be treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, the tear will widen. In other words, the degree of hernia increases. Hernia; It is not a disease that can be corrected with any nutrition program or exercise. Surgical intervention is essential. Hernia; It occurs due to reasons such as heavy exercise, cough caused by smoking, genetic factors, chronic constipation, diseases caused by prostate, lung diseases developed due to coughing, surgery in the region where hernia occurred in the past years.
During laparoscopic hernia surgery, small holes are opened in the area. It is a camera-guided surgery performed through the said holes. In the past years, open surgery method was preferred more in the treatment of hernia. However, there were some disadvantages of the open surgery method. First of all, there were risks of bleeding and infection. In addition, the patient had a very long post-operative recovery time. Also, open surgery; in some cases it was carried out under uncomfortable conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whar Are the Advantages of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery ?
-
The area is entered through three holes drilled into the abdominal wall. It is possible to view the area down to the smallest detail with the camera. It is an operation performed with the help of special devices. In other words, the success rate in laparoscopic hernia surgery is quite high.
-
After the operation, patient can return to his old life as soon as possible.
-
There is no major surgical incision.
-
Due to the use of a patch during the surgery, there is no pain or tension, especially in the groin area.
-
After the operation, there is no serious pain. Although he is discharged the next day, he returns to work life 5-7 days later.
What Are the Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery ?
It is more expensive than open surgery due to the use of special devices.
What Methods Are Used in Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
-
Total extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) technique (The patch is placed outside the peritoneum, and a place is prepared between the layers of the abdominal wall to ensure this.
-
Transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP): Patch; It is inserted into the abdomen and inserted from there.
-
Repair with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) technique.
Who Should Have Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
When a hernia is diagnosed, it is a disease that needs to be operated and repaired. All candidates for open surgery are also suitable candidates for closed surgery for the same reasons, unless they have an obstacle to laparoscopic surgery. It is clinically correct to operate on patients who have pain and discomfort due to hernia. Hernia repair is definitely recommended in young patients who are diagnosed with a hernia and do not have any other health problems. Patients with recurrent hernias, bilateral hernias, and all patients who need to return to their normal daily activities early are particularly suitable for laparoscopic hernia surgery. The fact that the patient prefers laparoscopic surgery is also a reason for choice. It is also very important that the surgeon who will perform the operation is sufficiently experienced in the laparoscopic method. There is no particular difference between TAPP and TEP methods in terms of recurrence of hernia, but the risk of intra-abdominal organ injury is relatively higher in the TAPP method. The IPOM technique has lost its popularity due to the high incidence of intra-abdominal injuries, nerve damage and recurrence of hernias. Although the prices of laparoscopic surgeries are somewhat higher, this material difference seems to be tolerated due to the social benefits.
Who Cannot Have Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?
There are no definite contraindications for laparoscopic surgeries. Anyone who does not have a serious medical problem for surgery can be a candidate for laparoscopic hernia surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is not performed in patients who have undergone operations such as prostatectomy from the lower abdomen, those with strangulated hernias, and patients who cannot receive anesthesia.
What Awaits Me After Hernia Surgery?
Regardless of the method of hernia surgery, bleeding and inflammation may rarely develop in the operation area. Also, rarely, there may be additional pain after surgery due to compression of nearby nerves during the repair. Although all necessary precautions are taken during the intervention, when the above-mentioned and similar undesirable events occur, these situations are resolved with treatment directed at the cause. It is impossible to reduce the probability of complications after surgery to zero. Knowing that risks may develop, albeit rarely, enables planning of the measures to be taken. In addition, it is the conscientious and legal responsibility of physicians to inform patients about these issues.
Are There Any Side Effects After Hernia Surgery?
As with any surgery, some side effects and complications may occur after hernia surgery.
-
Temporary itching, redness, or scarring may occur at the surgical site, which usually resolves within a few days. However, your surgical scar will remain visible, although it will pass to a large extent.
-
Swelling and burning in the testicles may occur in men after surgery, which resolves after a few days.
-
Difficulty urinating for 12-24 hours after surgery
-
Short-term anesthesia-related weakness and fatigue may occur after anesthesia.
-
Very rarely, infection may develop in the surgical field.
-
Bleeding can be seen very rarely in the surgical field after the surgery, and if they grow, it is called a hematoma. Sometimes it may need to be emptied.
-
Vascular damage or organ injuries are very rare conditions.
-
You may sometimes have complaints such as numbness or less feeling at the surgery site. Usually the sensation can last from a few months to several years. Persistent numbness at the surgical site has been reported in 11 out of 100 surgeries.
This risk is much less in laparoscopic surgery.
What Should I Do After Discharge?
-
Do not forget to take the prescription of the medicines you need to use at home when you are discharged.
-
Be sure to ask your doctor when to take a bath.
-
After your discharge, ask your doctor how you should return to your daily activities and how soon you can start your sports and social activities.
-
Learn when to have your stitches removed, if any.
-
Ask if your surgical site will need dressings.