Hernia is
the bulge, tear or weakness in the internal organs or tissues that projects
in the abnormal opening of the muscle wall. This usually occurs in the
abdomen or the groin, especially at the place of a previous operation.
Both men and women are prone to the development
of hernia . There are five main abdominal types of hernia:
Inguinal
Hernia – A bulge in the groin
Femoral
Hernia – A bulge in the groin that appears slightly lower than
the inguinal hernia
Epigastric
or the Ventral Hernia – A bulge between the navel and the breastbone
Umbilical
and the Para umbilical Hernia – This relates to the newborn and
appears in the navel area.
Incisional
Hernia – A bulge appears in the stomach and navel area
When a person
has right and left inguinal hernia simultaneously then it is bilateral
hernia. This occurs mostly in elderly men and in children. There are more
chances of right inguinal hernia when a person has left inguinal hernia.
However, both can be corrected in a single surgery.
There are two types of surgeries available for hernia – the traditional
type and the laparoscopic type. In the conventional type of surgery, the
surgeon makes an incision of three-five inches, locates the hernia and
operates with the help of a local anesthesia. The patient is discharged
in a day or two but the wound takes time to heal, leaving a big scar.
The laparoscopic type of surgery takes the least time and the operation
is performed internally with the help of a laparoscope, which avoids the
cutting of tissues and muscles. This surgery takes place with the help
of general anesthesia and the patient can go home the same day. There
is no big scar and the healing time is very less due to the small holes
made during the sugery.
The bilateral hernia surgery follows the laparoscopic type of surgery
that makes the process easier. The surgery takes place simultaneously
in both the right and left inguinal hernia although it can be repaired
with the help of a conventional type of surgery.
In the conventional surgery, the surgeon will make two incisions made
side by side at the same time. Laparoscopic surgery helps to repair the
hernia beyond the area of defect that reduces the chances of its reoccurrence.
The Medicare and Medicaid insurance cover the cost of this laparoscopic
type of hernia repair.
The hernia surgery costs around $4000 to $20000 in the US depending on
the location, type of surgery, hospital, and surgeon. There are also places
in the US where they offer package deals at competitive prices and the
patients can choose according to their choice and funds.
It is best to choose an experienced surgeon and a good hospital for bilateral
hernia surgery and repair so that the problem does not transpire again
and the patient need not go for several surgeries to solve the problem.
