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:

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)
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Senior Consultant Surgeon

Senior Consultant Surgeon

Mount Elizabeth Orchard

6737 8878

Gleneagles Hospital

6475 1488

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Mount Elizabeth Orchard

6737 8878

Gleneagles Hospital

6475 1488