Hernia Repair Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Hernia Repair surgery may be a standard “Open” procedure through an incision large enough to access the hernia or a “Laparoscopic” procedure performed through tiny incisions, using an instrument with a camera attached (laparoscope) and a video monitor to guide the repair. When the surgery involves reinforcing the weakened area with steel mesh, the repair is called hernioplasty and results are usually better. Hernia repairs are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility by a general surgeon. Depending on the patient's situation and type of surgery, patients may be able to go home the same day or may remain hospitalized for up to three to five days. The preferred method is laparoscopy. In complicated cases, an open cholecystectomy may be necessary. Both procedures are conducted using general anesthesia. Laparoscopic surgery is often associated with a lower rate of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic results than the open procedure. Surgery is the only effective way to fix a hernia.

Patient Preparation for Hernia Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant) or if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention, and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. Arrangements may need to be made for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to expect during and after Hernia Repair Surgery The surgery itself may take less than an hour, but the preparation and recovery time may add several hours. Most patients go home the same day as the surgery if there are no major problems. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Also, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut over the area of the hernia. The bulging tissue or organ is placed back inside the muscle wall, the muscle tissue is repaired, and the skin is closed. In many inguinal hernia repairs, a small piece of plastic mesh is used to repair the defect in the muscle tissue.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will most often be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.