KIMS doctors treat ventral hernia in a novel way

Kondapur: Doctors at KIMS Hospitals here have started a new procedure to help ventral hernia patients, whose defects are large. Laparoscopic-E-Tep is a new minimally invasive form of the hernia repair technique which can help obese patients suffering from large ventral hernia. The team led by Dr DV Ramakrishna, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, KIMS Hospitals has performed 26 surgeries using Laparoscopic-E-Tep hernia repair technique since January.

In general, obese patients with large ventral hernia (abdominal wall hernia) had to undergo an open procedure with the associated problems of poor wound healing and infections. These patients have a prolonged recovery time associated with high recurrence rates. In the new Laparoscopic-E-Tep hernia repair, defects up to 15 cm can be corrected. In this procedure, the surgeon operates in the layers of the abdominal wall at times extending into both flanks to create a tension-free repair and placement of large meshes (25-35cm) to reinforce the repair. The intrabdominal pressure assists in anchoring the mesh and ingrowth of tissue from both sides.

Speaking of the technique, Dr. Ramakrishna said, "Minimally Invasive surgery has several advantages over the traditional technique such as lesser pain. The patient can get back to normal activity quickly. Also, blood loss is almost negligible and eliminates the risk of infections. This makes the procedure ideal for obese patients. Diabetic patients can also undergo this procedure without a second thought.

"This new technique is a minimally invasive surgery technique in which we operate in the layers of the abdominal wall. We had operated on defects up to 15 cm with excellent results and most of the patients are discharged after 24 hrs. And can attend to their normal activities. The complication rates have been minimal due to early mobilisation of the patients (within 6 hrs.) and early feeding" he added.

Mohan Rao from Hyderabad, 65, a patient says, I'm happy I underwent minimally invasive surgery instead of the traditional procedure. I am back to my routine with less pain. I am very thankful to Dr. Ramakrishna and his team who explained to us the procedure and made us understand the pro and cons of surgery."