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A hernia repair surgery is a surgical operation that addresses a hernia or opening in the abdominal wall. G & L Surgical provides hernia repair surgeries in Singapore. Our surgeon, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam, performs several hernia treatments in Singapore – these include open and laparoscopic hernia repair surgeries. For example, umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, femoral hernia repair, and incisional hernia repairs. In an open hernia repair, Dr Ganesh makes an incision above the hernia into your groin and pushes the protruding abdominal tissue back into your abdomen and suture the defect closed.
This repairs the abdominal wall defect. In contrast, laparoscopic (also known as keyhole) hernia repair surgery involves the surgeon making a few short incisions (usually or 0.5 cm to 1 cm) instead of a single long incision. This procedure results in less visible scarring which also helps shorten the length of hospital stay for the patient. Depending on your condition, our doctor will advise which type of procedure is best suited for your condition. _______
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A hernia repair can be used to treat each of the following types of hernias, they are:
An umbilical hernia occurs when the intestines or other tissues bulge through the weakened spot near the belly button or navel. It is a common condition primarily observed in babies. However, umbilical hernias may also develop in adults, in particular women who have had multiple children. An umbilical hernia occurs when excessive pressure is placed on a weakened section of the abdominal muscles. Being overweight or having multiple pregnancies can cause the organs to press against the navel, leading to a hernia. In other cases, an umbilical hernia may also be caused by a persistent cough or if you have undergone stomach surgery previously. An umbilical hernia may become strangulated and restrict blood flow around the organ. You are advised to seek medical treatment to repair the hernia to prevent complications.
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It occurs when the abdominal wall weakens, allowing fatty or intestinal tissues to protrude through the weakened area. You may experience pain when you bend over, cough or carry a heavy object. Both men and women have inguinal canals. In men, the testes usually descend through their canal by around a few weeks before birth. In women, each canal is the location of passage for the round ligament of the uterus. If you have a hernia in or near this passageway, it results in a protruding bulge. It may be painful during movement. Many people do not seek treatment for this type of hernia because it may be small or cause no symptoms. However, prompt medical treatment can help prevent further protrusion and discomfort.
However, the success rate of inguinal hernia surgery is successful in the majority of cases. We can define it in two ways, the first way is complications of surgery , the second way is recurrence of the hernia. The recurrence of the hernia is less than 5% of complication rate and less than 2-3% of recurrence rate.
An incisional hernia happens through a previous incision or scar in your abdominal wall from a previous abdominal operation you had undergone. It is relatively common in 12 to 15 percent of patients who have undergone an abdominal procedure to experience incisional hernia. In cases where a patient has undergone prior abdominal operation such as an appendectomy or caesarean section, stitches along the abdominal wall may fail to heal properly or come apart with time. A partial segment of your organ, muscle or tissue may protrude through the open and weakened surgical opening and place pressure under your surgical scar. This results in an incisional hernia. While an incisional hernia can develop or get larger a few months or years after surgery, most cases happen within three to six months post-surgery, where your incision is the weakest.
Femoral hernias (also known as a femorocele) happen when a weakness in your lower groin allows an intestinal sac to drop into the space near the femoral vein, which transports blood from your leg. This space is known as your femoral canal. A femoral hernia is typically caused by a weak spot in your groin region and by excess pressure or strain placed on this weakened spot. Women are far more susceptible to this condition than men. This is due to the broader shape of a woman’s pelvis and femoral canal. While most femoral hernias do not cause symptoms, much like an umbilical hernia, they may occasionally lead to severe problems if the hernia obstructs and blocks blood flow to the intestines. This is called a strangulated hernia and poses a health risk, and requires immediate surgery. In all hernia cases, an organ would squeeze through an opening in the muscle or tissue holding it in place, leading to a protrusion from the body. For example, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. A hernia repair is considered minimally invasive, and most patients can resume normal activities in a short period of time after the surgery. However, laparoscopic hernia repair surgery may be preferable to open surgery repair as there is less discomfort and scarring after the procedure. A laparoscopic hernia repair also has a shorter recovery time. It has proven to be highly effective, with more than 90 percent of hernias not coming back after laparoscopic surgery. Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic has performed advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
There are three main types of hernia surgeries, they are, open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, and robotic hernia repair
In all types of hernia repairs, the patient will be placed under general anaesthesia and unconscious throughout the procedure. In open surgery, surgeons will make a single incision over the hernia. The incision can range from 6 to 8cm long. After the incision is made, the surgeon looks to organise the protruding organ back into position within the abdomen.
Mesh will hold the organs in place, reinforce the abdominal walls, and reduce the pressure at the weakened spot where the bulge initially was. Upon completion of the hernia repair, the wound is sealed with stitches. The technique that Dr Ganesh uses is the removal of the hernial sac, plus reinforcement of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal with a synthetic mesh. In cases where the hernia has become strangulated around the intestine, the affected region of the intestine may need to be removed and rejoined with the new ends made after the removal. In such cases, a patient can expect to be required to stay longer in the hospital (around 4 to 5 days) to ensure their recovery is on track.
In a keyhole hernia repair surgery, three small incisions are made in the abdomen instead of a large incision for the surgeon to access the herniated region. A laparoscope with a camera attached is inserted through one of the incisions for the doctor to look inside the abdomen. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions for the doctor to place the organ back in place, and a mesh is set to reinforce the walls.
In both cases, the patient is required to stay for a day in the hospital for observation to ensure they do not experience any post-surgical complications.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair procedures are the preferred option compared to open surgery hernia repairs, as it has been shown to be less invasive and have reduced blood loss and complications. Additionally, the average down time following a laparoscopic hernia repair will be shorter since most patients can recover in just one to two days instead of having to undergo prolonged hospitalisation and observation due to the size of the incision made during open surgery.
Hernia mesh is used to help repair damaged tissue around hernias. It is inserted under surgical anaesthesia during the operation, and attached with sutures, allowing it to stay firmly trapped against any motion that may occur from contractions or other motions while you’re healing up afterwards. The main purpose of a hernia mesh is to improve patient outcomes. Hernia surgery has a risk of recurrence and surgical mesh is used to strengthen the area around an existing herniated organ so that it may be contained more easily and reduce its likelihood for recurrence.
For most cases of hernias, immediate surgeries are not recommended if the condition is not causing the patient problems. Most patients who have a hernia will notice a bulge on their body that is painless. Specific actions such as lifting weights, bending, or coughing might lead to a slight discomfort or pain in the region. However, you might want to take note that most hernias do not go away on their own, and there is a possibility of the hernia becoming enlarged and creating greater discomfort over time. Our doctor might recommend that you consider a hernia repair if you experience any of the following:
In rare, complicated cases, a hernia can be life-threatening if it leads to a twisted or strangulated intestine. In such cases, a patient may experience bouts of fever, nausea and vomiting, and a darkening of colour around the bulge. If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that your hernia is getting worse, you are advised to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis.
As with all surgeries, a hernia repair carries a small amount of risk. They include:
In rare cases, complications after the hernia repair may occur, leading to a hernia recurrence at a similar region. In some complications, there may be damage done to the blood vessels or damage to nearby organs.
When preparing for hernia repair surgery, patients are recommended to inform the doctor of any medication or prescriptions that they are consuming. Our doctor may ask you to stop taking some of these medications in the days leading up to your hernia repair surgery. Patients are also advised to inform the doctor of any pre-existing conditions, such as health conditions or pregnancy. We have listed what patients can expect before, during, and after a hernia repair surgery below for easy reference.
If you are planning to undergo a hernia repair surgery in Singapore, observe the following instructions.
Depending on the type of hernia repair surgery, the recovery period may differ. Patients are usually able to be discharged from the hospital a day after the surgery. However, if there are complications, our doctor may require you to remain for observation and treatment until they are stabilised. For patients who undergo open surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery. On the other hand, patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair may resume normal activities within a week after the surgery. Typically, patients who underwent a keyhole hernia repair can expect the downtime to be much shorter as compared to an open surgery.
Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort and is experienced in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries in Singapore.
In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure. The staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals. Organise a consultation with our surgeon for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.
Do I Have To Have Surgery If I Have A Hernia?
Not all hernias require surgical repair. If you have a small and painless hernia, you may only be required to monitor and observe the condition. However, if the hernia starts to hurt, you may be advised to undergo a hernia repair to prevent further complications.
When Should I Consider Hernia Repair Surgery?
There are several factors that can contribute to the decision of when to have hernia repair surgery. One important consideration is the size of the hernia. Hernias that are large or growing rapidly are more likely to require surgery sooner than smaller ones. Hernias causing pain or interfering with daily activities are also generally candidates for repair.
If you are considering hernia surgery, talk to our doctor about your specific situation to determine the best course of treatment.
How Do I Choose A Hernia Surgeon?
While selecting your hernia surgeon, it might be ideal if you consider their experience and training in the field. Additionally, you’ll want to get recommendations from friends or family who have had hernia surgery. Finally, once you have the information you need, schedule a consultation with the surgeon of choice to see if they are the right fit for you.
It is important that you feel comfortable and secure in your choice of hernia surgeon.
Is Hernia Surgery A Major Surgery?
Hernia surgery is considered major surgery, but it is usually safe and effective with advances in surgical techniques and anaesthesia. Recovery time varies depending on the type of hernia and the individual but is typically short, with most people returning to their regular activities within a few weeks.
Is Hernia Repair The Same In Men And Women?
In general, hernias in men are more common and tend to be larger due to men having larger abdominal muscles. When it comes to hernia repair, the approach taken between men and women will differ. Men typically require a mesh patch to close the hole in the abdominal wall, while women can usually have their hernias repaired with stitches. This approach usually results in men requiring a more extended recovery period than women.
How Long Is A Hernia Repair Surgery?
In general, hernia surgery is a relatively quick procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the individual can go home the same day. In general, the surgery can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
How Long Will I Be Expected To Stay In The Hospital After A Hernia Repair?
Hernia surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis. In some cases, patients may be expected to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following the procedure, depending on their individual recovery needs. During this time, patients may experience some mild discomfort and may need to take pain medication as needed. After being discharged, you should also expect a full recovery from your hernia repair within 3-6 weeks.
Due to my work, I got a hernia on my inner thigh and had to see a doctor to get it treated. I found Dr Ganesh online and I am so glad that he is a very patient and caring doctor.
He understood the challenges I faced and proposed that I do hernia repair as the hernia was getting worse. Within a week, I got the procedure scheduled and he helped me to get the hernia repaired. Now, I am back to work and feeling normal with no pain.
Dr Ganesh also gave me good advice to make sure I don’t trigger the condition again. Thank you to all the nurses at G&L Surgical too. All of you are so nice and always smiling, it gave me a great assurance that I am in good hands.
Dr Ganesh is a kind and caring doctor. I had a hernia after childbirth for quite some time but never thought much of it.
However, I noticed that the hernia started to grow larger and I was feeling discomfort from it. It was getting quite painful and I was worried it’s something serious.
I found Dr Ganesh online and scheduled an appointment with him on the day. He assessed that I have an umbilical hernia and recommended that I undergo a hernia repair. As it turns out, fixing the hernia is not a major surgery and I am now back to work with no more bulges on my belly.
I feel much better thanks to him. Thank you to the G&L Team for doing great work!
I had a hernia near my hip and was recommended to Dr Ganesh through a mutual friend. What surprised me most was that Dr Ganesh was unlike any doctor that I have met. My impression of a specialist is that they will always recommend that I undergo surgery but to my surprise, his advice was the opposite. He did an assessment and advised that I did not require a hernia repair as the hernia is still fairly small at the time.
I followed his advice and managed to avoid triggering the pain for about 2 months. However, as I started getting active at the gym, I noticed the hernia was getting larger again and the same discomfort was returning so I went back to visit Dr Ganesh again.
This time around as the hernia is much larger, I had to opt for the hernia repair. Honestly, it wasn’t too bad since I trusted in his skills. The entire procedure was quick and seamless and within a week, I am already back to work.
My absolute gratitude to Dr Ganesh and his team for displaying professionalism, efficiency and assurance that allowed me to be at ease throughout my entire treatment. Your dedication to your work is definitely a blessing and you are truly an amazing doctor!
I had an incisional hernia on the scar above where I had my appendix removed some years ago. It started to bother me and hurt so I came across Dr Ganesh’s clinic online. He’s a friendly doctor and super patient, and had no issues explaining to my husband and I all those questions that we have gathered from reading online.
Turns out it wasn’t as serious as the horror stories we read online but my hernia would definitely need to be repaired.
His team was very fast and booked me in for the procedure within a week. Everything went smoothly and my husband was very pleased that Dr Ganesh was very reassuring. Right before the surgery, Dr Ganesh noticed that he was very worried and even got the staff to grab a cup of coffee for my husband.
I am so grateful to this team for being so kind and thoughtful. If you are even looking for a doctor that cares, this is where you should go. Thank you G&L Clinic!
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