Dr. Rajeev Premnath, best hernia surgeon in Bangalore, excels in his field and practices at Ramakrishna Group of Hospitals. With expertise ranging from simple to highly complex hernias, he offers comprehensive treatment, including surgery, prevention, and various hernia therapies. Dr. Premnath’s extensive experience includes repairing numerous hernias using advanced mesh repair techniques, solidifying his reputation as one of top hernia specialist in Bangalore, Jayanagar.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia is a condition where there is a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall, causing fat or an organ like the intestine to bulge and occupy space under the skin. The opening in the abdominal wall through which the fat or organs protrude is known as the hernia defect. Hernias can affect anyone, with statistics showing that one in ten people may experience a hernia at some point in their lives. They can occur in both males and females, at any age, and even infants may be born with it.
Hernia surgery, also called hernioplasty, is used to repair a hernia by repositioning the displaced organs and strengthening the muscles. This surgery involves placing a synthetic mesh over the weakened tissues. Hernia surgery is one of the most common operations performed worldwide, with millions of cases treated each year.
Hernia Surgery in Bangalore, Jayanagar
The primary objective of hernia surgery is to mend the weakened abdominal wall and close the gap to prevent the protrusion of fat or intestines. There are two types of repairs based on the surgical approach: Open repair and Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair. In an Open surgery, a single long incision is made at the hernia site, and the herniated organs are pushed back into place before suturing the area, sometimes reinforced with a mesh.
Laparoscopic repair follows the same principles and a laparoscopic surgeon does the surgery, but instead of one long incision, several small nicks are made, each about a centimeter long. This method, done under general anesthesia, offers benefits like faster recovery, reduced post-operative pain, and lower infection risk. However, it may not be suitable for large hernias or certain medical conditions, and the choice between the two approaches should be determined by your best hernia surgeon in Jayanagar Bangalore based on factors such as hernia location, type, severity, and medical history.
Diagnosis of Hernia
Diagnosing a hernia typically involves a thorough examination of your symptoms and a physical evaluation by a hernia doctor. They may gently apply pressure or ask you to cough to identify the bulge more clearly, especially in the case of inguinal hernias. In most cases, when an obvious swelling is present in the groin or abdominal area that increases with certain movements, no further tests are required, and a clinical diagnosis is made. However, more complex cases may require the expertise of hernia specialists for accurate diagnosis.
Inguinal Hernia Repair Options
- Primary Muscular Repair (Shouldice’s Repair)
This method involves repositioning the herniated organs and suturing the abdominal wall tissues together. However, since the muscles remain under constant tension after suturing, there’s a higher risk of recurrence.
- Simple Prolene Mesh Repair (Leichenstein’s Repair)
In this ‘tension-free’ approach, a Polypropylene mesh is used to seal the defect, avoiding muscle tension. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and requires 24-48 hours of hospitalization. While it’s a time-tested, safe, and cost-effective option, there’s a chance of post-operative groin pain (Inguinodynia) due to nerve entrapment.
- Laparoscopic Repair (TEP and TAPP Repair)
These procedures are conducted under general anesthesia, involving the placement of a Polypropylene mesh on the inner side of the abdominal wall. However, they are technically more challenging, with a recurrence rate of 8-15%. Hospitalization usually lasts 24-48 hours.
- 3-D Mesh Hernia Repair
The most advanced and preferred technique for inguinal hernia repair. It offers a simple and promising approach, covering the hernia defect from three sides: above, below, and center. This tension-free repair utilizes a Polypropylene mesh for optimal results.
Femoral Hernia Repair Options
Femoral hernia repair can be performed through either open surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. In open surgery, a single long incision/cut is made, while laparoscopic surgery involves about 3 small nicks. In both procedures, the surgeon reduces the hernia by pushing the fatty tissues/loop of bowel back into the abdomen. Then, the weak spot in the femoral canal is repaired using a mesh to prevent future hernia occurrence.
Both open and laparoscopic surgeries are safe and effective, though the latter offers advantages such as lesser pain and faster recovery. The choice of technique depends on your general health and the expertise of the operating surgeon.
Umbilical Hernia Repair Options
The prevalence of umbilical hernia in adults is on the rise due to increasing obesity and laparoscopy-related port-site hernias. Repair can be carried out in the following ways:
- Primary Muscular Repair
This method involves reducing the hernia and suturing the abdominal muscles back together. However, the absence of mesh leads to a high recurrence rate, making it less favorable.
- Prolene Mesh Repair
Here, a Polypropylene mesh is placed over the defect. However, this procedure may lead to pus collection at the operation site, making it a less preferred choice.
- Laparoscopic Repair
Under general anesthesia, four 1 cm incisions are made, and a mesh is used to close the defect from the posterior aspect. While popular for its reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery, some post-operative bulging may affect cosmetic appearance.
- 3-D Mesh Repair
At Healing Hands Clinic, we adopt a modified 3-D umbilical hernia repair, preserving the umbilicus. The defect is closed from both anterior and posterior aspects, repositioning the umbilicus for an excellent cosmetic outcome. This day-care procedure allows same-day discharge from the hospital, with an almost negligible recurrence rate.
Epigastric and Incisional Hernia Repair Options
The prevalence of umbilical hernia in adults is on the rise due to increasing obesity and laparoscopy-related port-site hernias. Repair can be carried out in the following ways:
- Primary Muscular Repair
This method involves reducing the hernia and suturing the abdominal muscles back together. However, the absence of mesh leads to a high recurrence rate, making it less favorable.
- Prolene Mesh Repair
In this method, a Polypropylene mesh is placed over the defect. However, following this procedure, there are high chances of pus collection at the operation site, making it an unfavorable choice.
- Laparoscopic Repair
Under general anesthesia, four 1 cm incisions are made, and a mesh is used to close the defect from the posterior aspect.
- Octomesh Repair
In this innovative method, a specially designed Polypropylene mesh implant called Octomesh is used. The Octomesh has 8 integrated radiating arms that are tunnelled through the abdominal wall muscles, securely held in place by friction. Octomesh offers a sutureless repair with a negligible recurrence rate, reduced post-operative pain, and lower chances of pus collection.
Why Choose Dr.Rajeev Premnath for Hernia Surgery in Bangalore?
Finding relief from your hernia has never been easier. From the above it may be clear that now, you can focus on your recovery and getting back to your life hassle-free by approaching one of the best hernia surgeon in Bangalore. Dr.Rajeev is a renowned Hernia surgeon in Bangalore. With extensive experience, he has successfully performed over 1000 Laparoscopic Hernia Surgeries.