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Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

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Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Hernias can be repaired either by the traditional “open” approach (which is associated with more pain and an average recovery time of as long as 6 weeks) or by using a small telescope known as a laparoscope (with less pain and much smaller scars).

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a surgical intervention to repair a weakness in the abdominal wall (muscle) by using a thin, lighted telescope and a mesh to patch the defect. This ensures less discomfort post-surgery, minimal scarring, as well as a faster return to the patient’s regular activity.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

  • Minimises postoperative pain
  • Reduces the requirement for painkillers
  • Can repair both sides via the same laparoscopic port sites for bilateral hernias
  • Earlier return to daily activities and work
  • Can be performed for recurrent inguinal hernia

Downside of Laparoscopic Repair

  • Higher cost due to instrument/laparoscopic costs

Which Patients Should Undergo Laparoscopic Hernia Repair?

This decision is usually made by a surgeon after performing a thorough examination. The laparoscopic procedure may not be suitable for patients who have previously undergone abdominal or prostate surgery or have certain underlying medical conditions.

What Prior Preparations Are Required?

Usually, laparoscopic hernia operations are performed as a day surgery procedure or an overnight hospital stay. Before the operation, the following steps are taken:

  • The surgeon will perform preoperative tests, such as blood tests, medical evaluation, and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • The surgeon will also obtain written consent from the patient, which states the risks and positive aspects of the surgery.
  • Patients should not consume any food or drink on the night before the surgery, except for medicines recommended by the surgeon.
  • Patients should avoid drugs, such as aspirin, anticoagulants, and anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications).
  • The doctor may further advise to quit smoking to minimise recurrence.

How Is Laparoscopic Surgery Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery is performed with the use of a tiny telescope connected to a special camera, which is inserted through a cannula to permit the surgeon to visualise the hernia.

The surgeon uses a surgical mesh to place over the hernia defect and the mesh is fixed to the surrounding tissue using staples, adhesive sealant, or sutures. Modern and newer meshes are made of flexible materials that stay in the abdomen and encourage new tissues to grow into them.

When Is Laparoscopic Surgery Unsuitable?

It is at the surgeon's discretion or judgement to convert the laparoscopic surgery to an open procedure.

Factors that may increase the need to convert to the open method are:

  • Obesity
  • Bleeding problems
  • Prior abdominal surgery causing scar tissue
  • Inability to visualise organs

What Are the Potential Complications After Surgery?

The main potential complications after the operation are:

  • Difficulty with urination after surgery
  • Bruising and swelling of the scrotum, the base of the penis, and the testicles
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to the nearby organs such as the urinary bladder, intestines, blood vessels, nerves, and spermatic cord (in males)
Our dedicated team is ready to support you every step of the way.

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6 Napier Road, #10-01, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore 258499

Tel: +65 6475 1488
Fax: +65 6475 1489
Email: info@liversurgery.com

Opening Hours Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Sat: 9am to 12pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays

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