Hernioplasty (/hɜːrˈniːəplæsti/) is a surgical procedure to repair a hernia, a condition when an organ protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. The word "hernioplasty" is derived from two Greek words, "hernia" meaning "rupture" and "plastikos" meaning "to mold or shape". The spelling of the word can be broken down into "hernio-" (referring to hernia) and "-plasty" (meaning surgical repair or reconstruction), making the word a combination of both its components.
Hernioplasty refers to a surgical procedure that is performed to repair a hernia. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It commonly happens in the abdomen or groin regions and can be caused by various factors such as heavy lifting, persistent coughing, obesity, or a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall.
During a hernioplasty, the surgeon aims to strengthen and close the hernia opening, preventing the protrusion of organs or tissues. The procedure typically involves making an incision near the affected area to access the hernia sac. The surgeon then carefully pushes the hernia back into place and reinforces the weakened abdominal wall. This is usually achieved by placing a synthetic mesh over the hernia defect. The mesh acts as a support structure, promoting the growth of new tissue and reducing the likelihood of a recurrent hernia. Finally, the incision is closed using sutures or staples, and the patient may require a period of recovery to allow for healing.
Hernioplasty is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, which involve smaller incisions and result in reduced patient discomfort and shorter recovery times. However, the specific approach chosen by the surgeon may depend on the individual case and preferences.
Overall, hernioplasty is a surgical intervention aimed at repairing a hernia by strengthening the weakened area, reducing symptoms, and preventing future complications.
The radical operation for hernia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hernioplasty" is derived from two components: "hernio-" and "-plasty".
The prefix "hernio-" comes from the Greek word "hérnē" (ἔρνη), which means "rupture" or "hernia".
The suffix "-plasty" also has Greek origins, coming from the word "plastikos" (πλαστικός), meaning "fit for molding" or "capable of being shaped". It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to surgical procedures involving the reshaping, reconstruction, or repair of a body part.
Therefore, "hernioplasty" combines these two components to describe the surgical repair or reconstruction of a hernia.