Hernia Repair

A hernia develops when a portion of the abdominal wall weakens, creating a defect that allows the intestine and other abdominal organs to push through the weakened areas. A loop of intestine or abdominal tissue may slip into the sac or tear, causing severe pain or other potentially serious health problems.

Men, women and children of all ages can develop a hernia. Hernias usually result from a natural weakness in the abdominal wall (congenital), or from excessive strain on the abdominal wall, including strain from heavy lifting, substantial weight gain, persistent coughing, or difficulty with bowel movements or urination (an acquired hernia). This defect is permanent unless surgically repaired. A hernia may be associated with mild discomfort or severe pain.

Sometimes a hernia can cause serious problems. An incarcerated hernia is one in which the abdominal contents remain under the skin (as a lump) when the patient lies down and relaxes. It often is accompanied by pain. If the hernia cannot be reduced by gentle pressure, the blood supply to these organs can be compromised, resulting in gangrene (lack of blood supply to a structure) requiring major surgery. This is a potentially life threatening situation. Most hernias require surgical repair. Today most repairs can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Eighty percent of all hernias are located near the groin. Hernias may also develop below the groin (femoral), through the navel (umbilical), or along a previous surgical incision (incisional). If surgery is the form of treatment your doctor recommends, physicians at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center who specialize in this procedure can determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for you.

How Is Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera--smaller than a dime--which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Two additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to expose the weakened area. A mesh patch is affixed with titanium staples and sutures to repair the weakness. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and covered with a small dressing that allows the patient to shower soon after surgery. After a few months, the tiny scars are barely visible.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery?

• Three tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
• Ambulatory surgery--you may leave the same day or the day after surgery.
• Significantly less pain after surgery.
• Shorter recovery time--days, instead of weeks--and quicker return to daily activities, work and exercise.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, it may take longer in other cases.

How Safe Is Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernia Repair?

If performed by experts in this field, laparoscopic hernia repair is as safe as traditional "open" hernia surgery in carefully selected cases.