If you are suffering from pain and discomfort due to a hernia, you may be considering laparoscopy treatment. Laparoscopy treatment is a minimally invasive surgery which involves inserting a small camera (or laparoscopy) into the abdomen and pelvis area.
What is a laparoscope?
A laparoscope is a small tube that has a light source and camera, which provides imagery of the inside of the abdomen or pelvis to a monitor. It can be used for a variety of medical procedures, such as removing tissues for biopsies or removing a damaged or diseased organ. A laparoscope is most commonly used in:
- Gynaecology – Involving the study of medical conditions affecting the female reproductive system
- Gastroenterology – Involving the study of conditions affecting the digestive system
- Urology – The study of conditions affecting the urinary system
What happens during laparoscopy treatment?
During the laparoscopy treatment, a laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen, just above the belly button through a small incision of around 1 cm long. Laparoscopy is often carried out under general anaesthetic, so the patient will not feel any pain during incisions. Once the laparoscope is inserted, a tube is used to pump gas into the abdomen, making it easier for the surgeon to look around and repair the hernia.
After the treatment, the gas is let out of the abdomen and incisions are stitched up and covered by dressing. More often than not, patients can return home on the same day as the procedure or the next day.
The benefits of having laparoscopy surgery
Laparoscopy surgery is a very popular procedure. It is a very frequent keyhole operation and is often chosen for its quick recovery time. Hernia specialists, such as Mr Andrew Clarke, often choose laparoscopy treatment for its low risk chance of chronic groin pain compared with its open counterpart.
Do you have to make lifestyle changes after laparoscopy treatment?
After the operation, you can expect to return to a normal lifestyle pretty quickly. Most people who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair surgery can return to normal day to day life after 1-2 weeks. Any strenuous activity and exercise should wait until after at least 4 weeks of recovery. You may resume a normal diet when you feel you are ready, but it is recommended to consume a high fibre diet with foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholemeal pasta, rice and bread. This is important as it will reduce the chance of constipation which can cause straining.
If you have concerns about your hernia, or think you may have one but are yet to be diagnosed, contact a colorectal surgeon for advice. Hernia’s do not always need operating on but if they are left to get worse, they can cause more health issues.
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