The most common surgical procedures performed in the abdomen are
hernia repair and cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). These
procedures are most often performed using minimally invasive approaches
on an outpatient basis. This usually means less pain and quicker
recovery for patients.
Hernias can occur in many places, including the abdomen, groin,
diaphragm (muscle dividing the chest and abdominal cavities) and at the
site of a previous abdominal incision. Based on the severity of the
hernia and the symptoms it is causing, it may need to be surgically
repaired. Adults with ongoing symptoms and most children usually undergo
elective surgery to prevent the possible complication of a strangulated
hernia in the future. An incarcerated or strangulated hernia may
require emergency surgery.
There are two main types of surgery for hernia repair:
- Open repair: A larger incision is made through the skin directly
overlying the hernia. The surgeon then repairs the tear, effectively
closing the hole.
- Laparoscopic repair: This type of surgery requires a few small
incisions and the use of a laparoscope (a thin scope with a tiny
camera). The surgeon uses the laparoscope to help repair the hernia.
There is usually much less pain with this type of repair, resulting in a
much faster recovery time.
With both open and laparoscopic approaches, the tear is repaired by
placing in a mesh patch to plug the hole. In open surgery, the mesh is
placed over the hole. In laparoscopic surgery, the mesh is placed under
the abdominal wall.
The type of repair procedure performed will be determined by your
surgeon based on your age, overall health, and medical history; the
extent of the hernia; your tolerance for the specific procedure; and
your own preference.
Beaumont’s surgeons have extensive experience with both open and
laparoscopic hernia repair. They will carefully evaluate your condition
to determine the optimal treatment plan for you.
Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, an organ
located just under the liver in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, a substance produced by
the liver and used to break down fat for digestion.
The gallbladder is typically removed in one of two ways:
- Open surgery: In this method, a larger incision is made in the right
upper part of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. The surgeon must
cut through muscle layers to get to the gallbladder in order to remove
- Laparoscopic surgery: This type of surgery requires four small
incisions and the use of a laparoscope. The surgeon performs the surgery
while looking at video monitor.
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive, less painful and
generally requires a much shorter recovery time than an open
cholecystectomy. On occasion, there may be circumstances, such as a
severely inflamed gallbladder, that require conversion of a laparoscopic
procedure to an open procedure in order to safely remove the