Herniotomy Surgery

Herniotomy is a surgical procedure to repair a hernia, commonly involving the removal of the hernial sac. Hernias occur when an organ or tissue pushes through the muscle or tissue wall, with the most common types being:

Inguinal: Near the groin.
Umbilical: Near the navel.
Femoral: Above the inner thigh.

Hernia repair surgeries include herniotomy, herniorrhaphy, and hernioplasty. While hernioplasty and herniorrhaphy address the repair or replacement of the inguinal canal’s posterior wall, herniotomy focuses on removing the hernial sac.

Alternate Name

Hernia surgery or hernial sac removal surgery.

Body Location

The abdominal cavity, typically near the groin.

Preparation for Herniotomy Surgery

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for the procedure:

Dietary Restrictions: Do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the surgery.
Pre-operative Tests: Undergo necessary tests, including ultrasound, blood work, chest X-ray, blood pressure checks, and ECG.
Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, or supplements, as these may need to be paused.
Written Consent: Understand the benefits and risks of the procedure before signing the consent form.
Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.

How is Herniotomy Surgery Performed?

Open Herniotomy:

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered.
Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision to access the hernia. The hernia is repositioned, tied off, or removed, and the muscle wall is stitched (often with dissolvable stitches). For larger hernias, a flexible mesh may be added to reinforce the area.

Laparoscopic Herniotomy:

Anaesthesia: Performed under general anaesthesia.
Procedure: A small incision is made, and gas is injected into the abdomen to improve visibility. A laparoscope (a camera-fitted tube) guides the surgeon to remove the hernia and repair the site, often using a mesh for support.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

Immediate Aftercare:

Herniotomy is often an outpatient procedure. For complex cases, a hospital stay of 1-3 days may be required.
Bandages can be removed 24 hours after surgery.

Self-Care Tips:

Use a pillow to apply pressure when coughing or sneezing.
Reduce swelling with an ice pack.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Start with soft foods and liquids before resuming a normal diet.
Follow your doctor’s guidance on wound care and activity levels.

Follow-Up:

Attend a follow-up appointment two weeks post-surgery to monitor healing.
Report any signs of infection, abnormal swelling, bleeding, or fever immediately.

Recovery Timeline:

Most patients resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks, though full recovery may take 3-6 weeks.
Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for at least a month.

Risks and Complications of Herniotomy

Swelling: Temporary fluid accumulation in the genital area.
Infection: Rare, but should be evaluated to rule out recurrence.
Hematomas: Localized bleeding around the wound.
Pain: Potential nerve or muscle injury during surgery.
Blood Clots: Rare but serious, requiring immediate attention.

Important Considerations

Laparoscopic herniotomy generally offers faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications than open surgery. However, hernia recurrence is a possibility, especially with risk factors like obesity, smoking, or inherent tissue weakness. Approximately 10% of patients experience chronic post-surgical pain, which may require additional treatment.

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