Hernia Surgery

What's new in Hernia Management?

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair or Keyhole Hernia Surgery

Keyhole hernia surgery has evolved over the last decade. Over this time the global trend for the keyhole repair of inguinal hernia has been towards the totally extra peritoneal (TEP) repair. The main advantage of this technique is that the peritoneum (the cavity containing the abdominal contents) is not entered. TEP hernia repair is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope (telescope) is inserted into a space within the abdomen wall which a balloon dissector created once inserted through a small incision just below the umbilicus (belly button).

Advantages of keyhole TEP hernia repair over an open operation

• Keyhole surgery means there is generally
• Less post-operative pain
• Smaller incisions and Faster Recovery.
• No further incisions required for patients with hernias in both groins (bi-lateral hernia).
• Ideal method for patients with recurrent hernias after previous surgery
• Early discharge from hospital - either same day or next day after surgery.
• Very early return to work. Often within 3 days for sedentary workers and around 1 to 2 weeks for manual workers. This should be discussed with your surgeon.

Disadvantages over open operation

• General Anesthetic is always necessary.
• More costly depending on level of health cover?
• Can take longer to perform during learning curve.
• Patients with very large hernias or previous lower abdominal surgery may not be suitable.

Click here for an interactive presentation on Keyhole Hernia Surgery.