Treatment
Inguinal hernia treatment is exclusively surgical, as hernia belts or trusses, while temporarily preventing herniation by compression, do not address the root cause and are ineffective once removed. The primary goal of inguinal hernia surgery is to return the protruded intestines back into the abdomen and reinforce the area of herniation with a medical mesh, typically made from a safe and long-used material called polypropylene.
There are two primary surgical approaches for inguinal hernia repair:
1. **Open Inguinal Hernia Repair:** This method involves making a 5-6 cm incision in the groin area to directly access and repair the hernia.
2. **Laparoscopic (Minimally Invasive) Surgery:** This approach uses smaller incisions and a camera to guide the surgery, resulting in less damage to the body and potentially quicker return to daily activities.
At Gi Surgical Clinic, we prioritize minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques due to their benefits in reducing damage to the patient's body.
Among laparoscopic methods, two main techniques are utilized:
1. **Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Approach:** This involves entering the abdominal cavity and repairing the abdominal wall from the inside.
2. **Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) Approach:** This method repairs the abdominal wall from outside the abdominal cavity, avoiding the need to enter the abdominal space.
While traditional laparoscopic surgery may require three small incisions, Gi Surgical Clinic has advanced its approach to offer an even less invasive option: **Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery-Total Extraperitoneal (SILS-TEP)** method. This technique involves making only one small incision inside the navel, minimizing scarring and potentially allowing for an even quicker recovery.
Performed under general anesthesia, the SILS-TEP surgery typically takes about an hour, with patients often able to walk within hours post-operation and possibly resume household and work activities the following day. This method is associated with minimal complications and a very low recurrence rate, making the navel scar almost imperceptible after healing.
Gi Surgical Clinic is dedicated to providing the SILS-TEP method as an outpatient procedure, enabling patients to return home the same day of their surgery. We believe this approach best supports our goal of facilitating a rapid return to society for our patients, combining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery with the safety and efficiency of the TEP technique and the innovative advantages of the SILS method.