Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: is this the right option for me?

Highly regarded consultant general and colorectal surgeon Mr Sebastian Smolarek explains everything you need to know about laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, including how it differs from traditional methods, how the surgery is performed and the risks associated with the procedure.

How does laparoscopic hernia repair differ from traditional methods?

Laparoscopic hernia repair differs from traditional methods by producing better results for the patients. Incisions used to perform the operation are much smaller and this translate to less postoperative pain and faster recovery time. Three incisions, between 5 to 10mm are used to perform operation.

The operating field is also away from the incisions, meaning that there is a smaller risk of recurrence of the hernia as well as smaller risk of developing postoperative infections.

What are the benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair?

There are multiple benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to the traditional open method, such as:

• Lower risk of hernia recurrence
• Less postoperative pain.
• Faster postoperative recovery.
• Faster return to normal activities and sporting activities.
• There is also significantly less chance of chronic groin pain

How is the surgery performed and what is the recovery time?

There are two main types of laparoscopic surgery for groin hernia. One is called TEP: total extraperitoneal approach and the other is TAPP: Transabdominal pre-peritoneal approach.

TEP surgery is performed by three small incisions; one around the belly button and two in the midline, below it. The space between the rectus muscles is created and the hernia is approached from the posterior side. Careful removal of the hernia is performed, preventing injury to the nerves and vessels. Following this, the plastic net, called mesh, is placed in the pre-peritoneal space, away from the bowel, and then fixed to the pubic area.

What are the risks and how can they be minimised?

The operation is very safe and has very small risks for the patients. There is a less than 1% chance of developing chronic groin pain due to the nerve injury and less than 1% chance of bleeding or developing haematoma.

There is also a minimal risk of developing infections of the wound, as well as roughly 1-2% chance of recurrence of the hernia.  The risk can be minimised by a gentle return to normal activity and avoiding heavy lifting for at least 4 -6 weeks.

What should I expect during laparoscopic hernia repair surgery?

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It’s a day case procedure, meaning that the patient can arrive at the hospital/clinic in the morning and go home in the afternoon.

Patients can expect small post-operative discomfort for the first week or two, especially around the wounds. In male patients, there is sometimes temporary swelling around the testicles and bruising around the scrotum. All of these symptoms are minimal and disappear very quickly, allowing patient to go back to normal activities much faster than after traditional, open repair.

If you require hernia repair surgery and would like to book a consultation with Mr Smolarek, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today.