NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAY 27
SRM Global Hospitals successfully performed laparoscopic surgery to treat inguinal hernia in a 90-year-old lady with co-morbidities, including hypertension and coronary artery disease. The hospital’s expertise and effective peri-operative care ensured a smooth procedure. Admitted in an emergency, the patient was discharged in stable condition on the third day and walked out on her own, said Dr. Sugi Subramaniam, Senior Consultant in Gastrointestinal Surgery, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplant here on Tuesday.
A hernia is a medical condition where an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. It often forms a visible lump or bulge. An inguinal hernia is a type of hernia that happens in the groin area.
Laparoscopic surgery is a well-established and effective approach for treating most abdominal and pelvic conditions in older adults. It offers clear advantages, including minimal surgical trauma, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. With skilled surgeons, proper facilities, and strong support systems, surgical outcomes in elderly patients can be significantly improved.
The surgical team was led by Dr. Sugi Subramaniam, Senior Consultant in Gastrointestinal Surgery, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplant, and was ably supported by expert anesthetists. The peri-operative assessment and optimisation involved a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists including cardiologists contributing to ensure the patient was fully prepared for surgery.
In his comments, Dr. Sugi Subramaniam, Senior Consultant in Gastrointestinal Surgery, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplant, SRM Global Hospitals said that a 90-year-old woman presented with a one-month history of swelling in the right groin, which initially reduced on lying down but later became persistent and painful. She had a history of systemic hypertension and coronary artery disease for 30 years and had undergone left-sided open inguinal hernia repair 40 years ago. Evaluation revealed bilateral inguinal hernias with small bowel loops as contents—both direct and indirect on the right, and direct on the left.
He added that after careful assessment of her general and cardiac fitness, she was deemed suitable for surgery and underwent bilateral trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh repair, a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. Postoperatively, she was monitored in the ICU and later shifted to the ward. Oral intake was resumed on day one, and she recovered well. She was discharged in stable condition on postoperative day three and is doing well on follow-up.
Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Global Hospitals, said that with remarkable advancements in medical and surgical care, more people are living well into their 80s and beyond. As life expectancy increases, it is no longer uncommon to see elderly patients presenting with surgical needs—both elective and emergency—often accompanied by added risks due to age-related decline. However, procedures like geriatric laparoscopic surgery offer a transformative solution. By combining careful peri-operative assessment, surgical precision, and focused post-operative care, we can minimise trauma and accelerate recovery in this vulnerable population. At SRM Global Hospitals, we help extend and improve the quality of life in our aging population through teamwork, planning, and the power of minimally invasive techniques.”
