Hernias
Laparoscopic repair, or ‘laser’ surgery repair as it is sometimes mistakenly known, is a minimally invasive technique. A hernia, commonly called a rupture, is a weakness or tears in the wall of the abdomen. In the same way that an inner tube pushes through a damaged tyre, the hernia is usually noticed as a lump or a bulge.
The inner lining of the abdomen pushes through this weakened area to form a bulge under the skin.
There are two basic ways to repair hernias.
Traditional hernia repair involves making an incision on the site and repair with stitches or reinforcing the rupture using a sheet of synthetic mesh. The hernia site is closed with sutures (stitches) or staples. The traditional method results in a low recurrence rate (the hernia is unlikely to return) but recovery from the operation may take several weeks.
Laparoscopic hernia repair is the latest advancement in surgery for inguinal hernia (‘groin hernia’).
Laparoscopic surgery is done using a laparoscope – a tiny ‘telescope’ attached to a camera. It is usually done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes three small incisions through which narrow tube-like devices are inserted.
A laparoscope is inserted through one of the tubes.
Surgical instruments are inserted through the other tubes.
The repair is performed from the inside of the abdominal wall and, as in the traditional method, a screen-like patch, called a mesh, is utilized.
Throughout the procedure, the surgeon watches on a video monitor connected to the laparoscope.
Although both traditional and laparoscopic hernia surgery are performed on an outpatient basis, patients treated laparoscopically generally experience more rapid healing and less pain during recovery, enabling a quick return to normal activity. Many groin hernias can now be repaired laparoscopically. I suggest that you discuss the options outlined above with your surgeon.
They will be able to tell you if your hernia is suitable for laparoscopic repair and if the laparoscopic technique is available in your area.