Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

What Is Hernia Repair?

 

through several small incisions rather than one larger cut. Often referred to as keyhole surgery, this approach allows the surgeon to repair the weakened area of the abdominal wall using specialised surgical instruments and a high-definition camera.

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The aim is to return the protruding tissue or hernia sac to its correct position and strengthen the weakened muscle or tissue to reduce the risk of the hernia returning.

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Laparoscopic hernia repair is commonly used to treat several different types of hernia and offers many patients a quicker recovery and less discomfort than traditional open surgery.

Why Might You Need Hernia Repair Surgery? 

Hernia repair surgery may be recommended if your hernia is causing pain, increasing in size, or affecting your daily activities.

 

While some small hernias can be monitored, surgery is usually advised when symptoms become persistent or there is a risk of complications. Common reasons for surgery include:

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• Pain or discomfort during activity

• A visible lump in the groin or abdomen

• A hernia that is increasing in size

• Difficulty carrying out everyday activities

• A hernia that cannot be pushed back into place

• Risk of the blood supply becoming trapped

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Laparoscopic repair may be suitable for several hernia types, including inguinal hernia repair, certain femoral hernias, and some incisional hernias.

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Which Hernias Can Be Treated? 

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Laparoscopic surgery is most commonly performed for hernias affecting the groin and abdominal wall. These include:

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• Inguinal hernias

• Femoral hernias

• Some recurrent hernias

• Selected incisional hernias

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Your surgeon, Mr Hornby, will assess whether a laparoscopic approach is the most appropriate treatment based on the type, size and position of your hernia.

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What Happens During the Procedure? 

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Laparoscopic hernia surgery is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the operation. During the procedure:

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1. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen.

2. A laparoscope (a thin camera) is inserted.

3. Fine surgical instruments are used to carefully return the hernia contents to their correct position.

4. The weakened area of the abdominal wall is strengthened, usually using surgical mesh.

5. The incisions are closed with stitches.

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The procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the hernia.

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For more information about hernia conditions that may require laparoscopic hernia repair, see our pages on Inguinal Hernia, Incisional Hernia, and Paraumbilical Hernia.

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To learn more about the procedures used to treat upper gastrointestinal and abdominal conditions, see our pages on Cholecystectomy, Therapeutic Endoscopy, Diagnostic Endoscopy, and Upper GI Endoscopy.