Laparoscopic inquinal herniorraphy

[hmccartn]

Hi there.

I was hoping to get some feed back about this procedure. I am a student nurse and my father will be having this procedure in 6 months time. Is there any reputable patient teaching info that someone has, recommendations about questions to ask the surgeon, which anesthetic options are available, experience with pain and pain relief etc. Any info and expertise that can be shared would be greatly appreciated..Thank you in advance.

[shudokan-RN]

ask why lap/vs open. time for lap is the same or longer depending on the surgeon. laparoscopic procedures usually require a general, due to the CO2 gas used to inflate the belly,also a lap procedure is usually more $$$$ . I am Just a circulator, but I hope this helps

marci:)

[huckfinn]

I agree with all of the above issues raised. Additionally, the non-lap hernia docs say that there is a higher recurrence rate and increased complications for lap vs open. We try to avoid doing them but must because we cannot direct medical care. I think the docs are doing them to get a higher reimbursments for laparoscopic procedures.

[hmccartn]

i am in canada so i dont know if the docs get paid more for laps or not.. the patient pays nothing....the reduced recovery time (with the lap) is a huge selling feature for my father. i guess if they begin with a lap and run into problems they will proceed with an open. thanks for your input everyone.