Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- General Surgery
- Hernia Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Endoscopy
- Enhanced Recovery Programmes
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Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
Most hernias of the abdominal wall are amenable to treatment by laparoscopic means and these techniques are accepted as alternatives to conventional open repair.
The methods employed for each type of hernia are similar but require a variety of different skills to be possessed by the operating surgeon. The laparoscopic approach to groin hernia repair is endorsed in the UK by NICE (responsible to The Department of Health) particularly where hernias are recurrent or present on both sides (bilateral).
In some cases there is no obvious benefit to a laparoscopic repair over that of an open repair for a straightforward small hernia (eg. Umbilical hernia) but for most hernias the reduced incidence of post operative pain, numbness and an earlier return to normal activity make a laparoscopic approach more desirable.
The techniques involve insertion of a laparoscope (camera) into the abdominal cavity or between the individual layers of the abdominal wall, along with surgical instruments through a number of port-sites.
The hernia defect (hole) is identified in the surrounding structures and the contents of the hernia (peritoneum, fat or bowel from the abdominal cavity) pulled out. The defect is then repaired with stitches or a mesh is fixed in place with glue or tacks to completely cover the hole.