When an internal organ breaks through the wall or lining that holds or surrounds it, that condition is called a hernia. Hernioplasty is one of the procedures by which doctors restore the displaced organ to its original position with the support of a mesh. Hernioplasty is also called mesh surgery or tension-free hernia repair.
Hernioplasty is one of the most common minor surgical procedures performed at hospitals worldwide. Of all the hernias, abdominal hernias are the most common.
How is hernioplasty performed? Before, During and After.
Doctors suggest hernioplasty when there is a rupture in the muscles or internal wall, and the internal organs break through the barriers.Â
Before surgery: The doctor advises discontinuing intake of medicines before the surgery. The patient is required to avoid food and water 8 to 10 hours before the surgery.Â
During surgery: The surgeon cuts around the ruptured area and removes the damaged tissue. This hole or rupture is then covered with a mesh. The weak tissue around the mesh takes the support of the mesh material to regrow into the scaffolding and thus correct the hernia.
After surgery: The recovery will depend on the type of surgery the patient has undergone. Recovery with a laparoscopic hernioplasty procedure, for instance, is faster. The patient may be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day.
The average cost of hernioplasty
Description
Cost
 The average cost of hernia surgery in India
  Rs. 65,000/- to 2.5 lakh
The average cost of hernia surgery in Hyderabad
 Rs. 55,000/- to 2 lakh
Surgery details
Description
Expected hospital stay
 The doctor may advise a 24 to 48 hours stay at the hospital. Based on the recovery, the patient may be discharged on the same day.
Type of surgery
 Minor
Type of Anaesthesia
 General anaesthesia
Number of days required to recover
 Everyday activities can be resumed within 10 to 15 days. It can take 3 to 6 weeks for complete healing and recovery.
Duration of the procedure
 30 to 45 minutes
Type of surgical options available
 Open hernia repair, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic hernia repair
Risks and complications of hernioplasty
Hernioplasty is a relatively simple and minor surgical procedure, some complications can occur in some patients after surgery. The risks and complications are as follows:
Infection at the surgery site
Sharp abdominal pain and vomiting
Hard and swollen testicles
Stomach cramps
Recurrence of hernia
Some risk factors are also associated with hernioplasty and should be kept in consideration before planning surgery. These include:
Age
Obesity
Pregnancy
High blood pressure
Malnutrition and smoking
Family history
Who needs a hernioplasty?
Hernioplasty is a hernia repair surgery of choice wherein the weak tissue is repaired by sewing a mesh patch over the affected region. There are also non-surgical methods to deal with hernia like medicines, weight loss, healthy changes in lifestyle, diet control, etc. Based on the choice of the patient or severity of the disease, the doctor may or may not suggest hernioplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hernioplasty
Yes. Doctors recommend a light or soft diet after hernia surgery which is easy to digest. Milk or milk substitutes such as soy milk or almond milk can be a good addition to the diet plan for anyone experiencing heartburn and acidity symptoms post hernioplasty.
The following should be done for quick and seamless recovery:
Consume a nutritious diet that is easy to digest.
Start with mild physical activity.Â
The following should be avoided:
Avoid lifting heavy things because it can lead to hernia recurrence.Â
Avoid food that causes constipation.
Yes. Doctors recommend a nutritious diet that is easy to digest and also gives energy. Rice is easy to digest and has carbohydrates and Vitamin B 12. It can help in fulfilling the energy and nutritional requirements and aid in recovery after hernioplasty.
Hernioplasty is a minor surgical procedure that is performed under general anaesthesia. On average, it takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete a hernioplasty. Laparoscopic procedures take less time compared to open hernia procedures. The recovery and post-surgery hospital stay is also less for laparoscopic hernioplasty.
After surgery, the doctor recommends being on a soft and mushy diet during recovery time. Eggs are rich in protein and some vital nutrients including vitamin B. Eggs can be a good addition to the diet plan for a quicker recovery. Along with eggs, the patient can also add boiled potatoes to his diet.
To correct hernia problems, hernia surgery is recommended. In some patients with a hernia, surgery is not recommended. In these patients, the symptoms can be managed by wearing a corset or binders. These corsets or binders give additional support and can relieve symptoms but it does not correct the hernia.
Sleeping position can affect the healing after surgery. Sleeping on the stomach can build pressure on the surgery site and may cause complications. It is suggested that after hernioplasty the patient should sleep on their side or back for a faster recovery.
Recovery after hernioplasty is relatively quick. The patients may even leave the hospital on the same day. The patient can resume all day-to-day activities including walking, mild exercise, and resuming office work within 1 week of surgery. The complete healing takes longer and can take about 3 to 6 weeks after the surgery.
Yes, the abdomen requires support during the initial 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. The hernia has a complication that if proper precautions are not followed it can reoccur. To avoid this complication a binder or a support belt should be used after surgery which gives additional support and prevents recurrences.
One of the main complications of inguinal hernia surgery is infertility. But this complication is usually associated with males. It can have an impact on the females if the partner has undergone inguinal surgery. However, hernia surgery in females has no direct relation to infertility.
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