|  | Surgeries Operations | Hernia Surgery

Traditional Vs. Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

Hernia surgeries can be performed as laparoscopic or open procedures. These surgeries achieve the same end but differ in technique, cost and recovery time.

  1. Procedure

    • Laparoscopic procedures utilize small cuts into the abdomen and the insertion of a tube with a camera attached to the end. Open procedures involve cutting into the abdomen and putting the displaced portion into its proper place.

    Recovery

    • The recovery from minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures is about one to two weeks, while open surgery recovery take four to six weeks, according to WebMD.

    Candidates

    • While laparoscopic procedures are preferable for numerous reasons, not everyone is a candidate. According to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center website, you might require open surgery if you are obese, have scar tissue from a different abdominal surgery, have had an infection at the site of your hernia, have bleeding disorders, are pregnant or have lung problems.

    Scarring

    • Laparoscopic procedures use a series of very small cuts, compared to open surgeries, which make larger incisions. Open procedures have a bigger chance of scarring.

    Recurrences

    • According to WebMD, both surgeries have the same risk of a recurring hernia--between one and 10 out of every 100 procedures.

    Cost

    • Open procedures cost less, WebMD says, as the laparoscopic operation takes longer and employs expensive technology.

Hernia Surgery - Related Articles