Types of surgeries

1. Diagnostic surgery: these surgeries are performed to confirm any medical condition. It involves surgeries like biopsy, in which tissues are examined for the presence of disease, and then accordingly further treatment and surgery are recommended by the doctor.

2. Curative surgery: this surgery determines the root cause of the medical condition. In curative surgery, after the determination of the root cause of the disease, it is eliminated from the body through surgical procedures. Surgery like tumor removal and fat removal is performed under these curative surgeries.

3. Palliative surgery: In this procedure, the root is not eliminated from the body but provides relief from the symptoms that are caused by the diseased condition. In this surgery, the underlying issue is not cured and is commonly used in advanced cancer cases.

4. Reconstructive surgery: This surgery restores the appearance and function of the body parts. It helps to regain confidence and appearance by operating on the damaged area of the body part. Commonly performed reconstructive surgeries are plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery.

5. Minimally invasive surgery/laproscopic surgeries: These surgeries use advanced techniques to diagnose and treat various disease conditions, like cameras, a thin, long laparoscope, fitted with cameras that give high-resolution images of internal parts of the body. This method is safe and quick with minimal recovery time

How surgery works?

Surgery works by physically altering body tissues to diagnose, treat, or manage a medical condition. Here’s an overview of how the surgical process generally works:

1. Preparation: Before surgery, patients often undergo pre-operative assessments, including tests and evaluations, to ensure they’re fit for the procedure. The patient is monitored for any genetic incompatibility that can disturb the procedure. The surgical team also plans the approach and reviews the patient’s medical history for the treatment of the disease.

2. Anesthesia: To prevent pain during surgery, patients receive anesthesia; administering anesthesia will make the surgery process easy as pain involved during the procedure will not be felt by the patient. Anesthesia could be:

   Local Anesthesia: Numb a small area while the patient stays awake.

   Regional Anesthesia: Numb a larger part of the body, like an arm or leg.

   General Anesthesia: renders the patient unconscious for the entire procedure.

3. Surgical Procedure: Once anesthesia is administered, the patient goes into anesthesia, then the surgeon makes an incision or uses minimally invasive techniques (like laparoscopy) to access the area. Laparoscopic is inserted in the body using specialized instruments, and the surgeon performs the necessary actions, which may include:

   Removing or repairing tissue (e.g., removing a tumor or repairing a bone)

   – Reconstructing parts of the body (e.g., after injury or illness)

   – Restoring function (e.g., inserting stents in arteries)

4. Closure: After the procedure and correction of the disease condition that was affecting the patient’s health, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, staples, or adhesives and may place dressings to protect the area. These dressings are frequently changed to avoid infection in the operated area.

5. Recovery: After knowing how surgery works in deatil, its recovery is also so important that the patient is monitored in a recovery area, especially if they are under general anesthesia. Recovery times vary depending on the age of the patient, health condition of the patient, willpower of the patient, and procedure, and some patients may go home the same day, while others might need a longer hospital stay to recover from the medical condition.

6. Post-operative Care: Following surgery, patients receive instructions on hygiene habits, wound care, infection prevention habits, medication, physical activity, and diet and lifestyle changes to recover soon to normal activities after the surgery. Follow-up appointments allow the healthcare team to monitor healing and address any complications.

Is hernia surgery a major surgery?

While studying how surgery works, hernia is bulging of the skin near the abdomen due to moist and soft tissues; this condition occurs due to excessive pressure created on abdominal muscles.

Symptoms of hernia depend on the severity of hernia. It is found that it can cause unpleasant symptoms like pain, discomfort, or excess pressure on the abdomen.

Types of hernia surgery

There are several types of hernia surgeries, each tailored to the specific location and nature of the hernia. Here are some common types:

1. Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Hernioplasty): The surgeon makes an incision in the groin to push the herniated tissue back into place and reinforce the weakened area with stitches or mesh.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: This minimally invasive approach involves small incisions and uses a laparoscope to guide the repair. Mesh may also be used.

2. Umbilical Hernia Surgery

Typically used for hernias near the belly button. The surgeon may perform an open or laparoscopic repair depending on the size and severity of the hernia, often using mesh for reinforcement.

3. Hiatal Hernia Surgery

 Primarily performed for hernias in the diaphragm, where the stomach pushes into the chest cavity.

●        Nissen Fundoplication: The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to strengthen the esophageal sphincter, reducing acid reflux.

●        Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: The hernia is repaired by moving the stomach back into the abdomen and, if necessary, reducing the size of the diaphragmatic opening.

4. Incisional (Ventral) Hernia Surgery

For hernias that develop at the site of a previous surgical incision. Surgeons may use an open or laparoscopic approach, often placing a mesh to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall.

5. Femoral Hernia Surgery

Performed for hernias that occur in the upper thigh, just below the groin. Typically done using open or laparoscopic techniques, with mesh placement for added support.

6. Epigastric Hernia Surgery

This involves repairing hernias in the upper abdomen along the midline. Usually, an open or laparoscopic repair with mesh reinforcement is performed.

7. Sports Hernia Surgery

Unlike other hernias, sports hernias involve tears in the groin muscles rather than abdominal tissues. Repairs are typically done via open surgery, though minimally invasive options may be available.

One can choose a treatment option depending on hernia’s location, severity, and pain.

Sudden pain near the abdominal bulge can be life-threatening and risky. This condition needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid future complications.

Surgery can be highly effective in addressing medical issues, but like any intervention, it carries risks that the surgical team aims to minimize through careful planning and precision.