Hernia Bilateral

Bilateral Hernia

Bilateral hernia is the presence of hernias on both sides of the body, most commonly in the groin (inguinal hernia) although it can also be applied to other areas such as diaphragm or abdomen.

What is a Bilateral Hernia?

• A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue has penetrated a point of weakness in a muscle or connective tissue.
• Bilateral hernia implies that this weakness and protrusion occurs both on the left and the right.
• A bilateral inguinal hernia is the most prevalent one wherein tissues penetrate the areas of weakness in the groin muscles.

Bilateral Hernia Surgery

A bilateral hernia surgery is done to fix hernias on both sides of the body, most usually in the groin (bilateral inguinal hernias). The surgery strengthens the muscle wall which is weak to avoid pushing abdominal contents.

It can be performed as:

• Open Surgery - a bigger incision is made on both sides.
• Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery - small cuts with camera and tools, commonly used after bilateral hernias.

Indications

• Both sides have hernia bulges.
• Aching, soreness or tenderness in the groin/abdomen.
• Increasing hernia size.
• Such complications as imprisonment or being strangled.

Types of Surgery

Open Bilateral Hernia Repair:

• Two cuts (one on either side).
• The hernia sac was forced back, and mesh was used to reinforce muscle.
• Delayed recovery as compared to laparoscopic.

Laparoscopic Bilateral Hernia repair:

• 3–4 small incisions.
• Surgeon fixes the both hernias simultaneously with the help of mesh.
• Reduced pain, faster recoveries, reduced scars.
• Used in bilateral hernia and those who wish to recover faster

Procedure Steps

• Patient in the state of general or spinal anaesthesia.
• The Hernia contents returned to the abdominal cavity.
• Mesh to reinforce weak part of the body.
• Lacerations sewn or glued up.

Recovery Time

• Laparoscopic Surgery: 12 weeks to normal activities.
• Open Surgery: 3-4 weeks of normal activities.
• During the next 4-6 weeks, heavy lifting should not be practiced.

Bilateral Inguinal Hernia

Bilateral inguinal hernia is developed when the hernias are formed on both sides of the groin. This occurs when soft tissue (intestine, fat, etc.) pushes through the weak areas of the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal canal on both sides. It is more prevalent in men but it may also be witnessed among women.

Bilateral Hernia Repair

Bilateral hernia repair surgery is used to repair hernias on both sides of the body, usually bilateral inguinal hernias (in the groin). Hernias cannot be healed independently and therefore surgery is the only sure cure. This operation consists of pushing the contents of hernia into the abdomen and supporting the damaged muscle wall with mesh in order to avoid its happening again.

Bilateral Hernia Repair types

Open Bilateral Hernia Repair:

• Two different cuts (one on each side).
• Hernia sac was pushed back.
• Each area of weakness is covered with a mesh.
• The recovery is delayed over laparoscopic repair.

Laparoscopic Bilateral Hernia Repair:

• Small keyhole incisions.
• A laparoscope (camera) and surgery tools are employed.
• Both the hernias are corrected during the same operation.
• A mesh is lined into the abdominal wall.
• Less pain, faster recovery, and little scarring.
• Favoured in bilateral hernias.

Procedure Steps

• Anaesthesia - General anaesthesia is typically administered.
• Access - Laparoscopic ports or open incision is done.
• Reduction - Hernia contents are forced to the abdomen.
• Mesh Placement - Synthetic mesh is applied to reinforce the muscle area that is weak.
• Closure - Sutures, staples or glue are used to close the incisions.

Recovery Time

Laparoscopic repair:

• Resume light exercise in 1 -2 weeks.
• Heavy lifting after 4–6 weeks.

Open repair:

• Go back to light exercises in 3-4 weeks.
• Heavy lifting after 6–8 weeks.

Advantages of Bilateral Hernia Repair

• Both hernias fixed during one operation.
• Eliminates the danger of such complications as imprisonment or strangulation.
• Enhances life quality (Less pain, higher mobility).
• Laparoscopic technique has better return to work and life.

Bilateral Hernia Symptoms

A bilateral hernia refers to hernias on each side of the body (most frequently in the groin bilateral inguinal hernia). Symptoms can be developed slowly and are usually aggravated by exercise.

Common Symptoms

• Palpable bulges on both sides of the groin or lower abdomen (more pronounced when standing, coughing or lifting).
• Both groins painful or sore, particularly after exercise.
• Pain, aching, pulling pains in the low abdomen/groin.
• Swelling which diminishes when lying or which intensifies when coughing/straining.
• Hurt or pain in the area of bulge.

Additional Symptoms in Men

• Scrotal swelling (when hernia goes down).
• Pain on the groin extending to testicles.

Other Symptoms of Women

• Groin swelling (not so evident as in men).
• Pain in the pelvis, particularly on walking or with exercises.

Severe Symptoms (Denotes Complications)

These indicate incarcerated or strangled hernia and require emergency medical attention:

• Acute groin or abdominal pain (unrelieved by rest).
• Nausea, vomiting or bloating in the stomach.
• Failure to repair the hernia.
• Bulge Redness, tenderness, or warmth.
• Fever with groin pain.

Bilateral Hernia Causes

Bilateral hernia is when hernias grow on both sides of the body (usually in the groin region - bilateral inguinal hernia). The condition occurs as a result of weakness of the muscles and high pressure in the abdomen.

Main Causes

Congenital Weakness

• Congenital (weak abdominal wall or open processus vaginalis in male).
• A more prevalent condition in children and young adults.

Muscle Weakness from Aging

• Weakness of abdomen walls with age.
• More common in older adults.

Chronic Strain & Pressure

• Frequent heavy lifting.
• Acute coughing (smoking, asthma, COPD).

Chronic constipation (difficulty in passing bowel movements)

• Trouble with urinating (enlarge prostate in men).

Lifestyle & Health Factors

• Obesity (increases pressure in the abdomen).
• Slimming down (dehydrates fat supporting the muscles).
• Lifestyle choices (sitting down)→ poor abdominal/core muscles.

Previous Surgery or Trauma

• Previous surgery of the abdomen may make the abdominal wall weak.
• Trauma or strain on groin.

Genetic Predisposition

• Risk is increased by family history of hernia.

Risk Factors

• Male sex (inguinal hernias are prevalent in males).
• Older age (weaker muscles).
• Pulmonary disease (persistent cough).
• Pregnancy (in women, because of the stretching of the abdominal wall).
• The strenuous activity or sports that require lifting.

Factors Affecting Bilateral Hernia Surgery Cost

The price of bilateral hernia repair surgery (repairing hernias on both sides, typically on the groin) is based on various medical, hospital and patient factors.

Type of Surgery

• Open Surgery - This is normally cheaper but has more extended recovery time and bigger incisions.
• Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery - It is more expensive because of the use of advanced equipment, but preferred because bilateral hernias can be fixed in a single operation with less and faster recovery.

Type of Hernia & Complexity

• Simple bilateral inguinal hernia- Standard cost.
• Complicated hernia (incarcerated or strangulated) - It is more expensive as emergency treatment, surgery, and even ICU stay.

Hospital Choice

• Hospitals that is privately owned -More expensive and well equipped.
• Multispecialty/International hospitals -Most expensive with the latest technology, robotic surgery and high-end care.

Surgeon’s Expertise

• Older and very seasoned surgeons or experts in laparoscopic/robotic hernia repair can demand a premium price.
• The cost is also increasing with surgical team fees.    

Mesh Type Used

• Standard mesh -Less expensive.
• Advanced / 3D mesh or absorbent mesh - More expensive but with superior results and less chances of recurrence.

Anaesthesia Type

• General anaesthesia (usually used in laparoscopic repair) -Adds to the cost.
• Spinal or local anaesthesia (applied in some cases in open repair) -Less expensive.    

Hospital Stay & Room Category

• Daycare / 1-day stay - Less expensive (usually when it comes to laparoscopic repair).
• Extended stay (complications or open surgery) - Increases expense.    
• Room type (general ward, semi- private, private, deluxe) is an important factor on total bill.

Pre- & Post-Surgery Expenses

• Diagnostic (ultrasound, CT, blood tests, ECG).
• Pain medication, drugs, and antibiotics.
• Follow up and post-operative consultations.

Country & City of Treatment

• It is very different in terms of costs.
• Surgeries in India or Southeast Asia tend to be far cheaper than in the US or Europe, and the results are similar in well-known hospitals.

Best Hospitals for Bilateral Hernia Surgery in India

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket

Conclusion

Bilateral hernia is where hernias develop on both sides of the abdomen or groin, which is usually caused by muscle weakness and an augmented abdominal pressure. It is not a self-limiting disease, and can cause severe complications such as incarceration or even strangulation (unattended). The only treatment that is certain is surgery. Bilateral laparoscopic hernia repair is mostly preferred as both hernias are repaired in a single operation, causing less pain, faster heal time and minimal scars. Open repair is also good but entails prolonged recovery and bigger incisions. Surgery prices vary depending on several factors such as the kind of surgery, hospital, experience of the surgeon, mesh, and country of treatment.

Why Choose GetWellGo for Bilateral Hernia Surgery? 

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Bilateral Hernia Surgery.
• Expert general surgeon with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

Does bilateral hernia subside on its own?

• No. Hernias cannot spontaneously heal. The permanent treatment is only through surgery.

What is the best surgery to have bilateral hernia- open or laparoscopic surgery?

• The laparoscopic repair is normally the preferred option as the two hernias can be repaired in a single operation with smaller incisions, less pain, and less time taken to recover.

Is it safe to have bilateral hernia surgery?

• Yes, it is a safe and normal procedure when it is carried out by skilled surgeons. There is a low risk of infection, recurrence or nerve damage.

Is it possible that the hernia will recur?

• Reoccurrence is also rare, particularly in mesh repair. The risk is lowered with obeying precautionary measures that follow the surgery.