Hernia Surgery

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair or Keyhole Hernia Surgery

Click here for an interactive presentation on 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) or the transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair. 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). In a TAPP hernia repair the abdominal cavity is entered and the hernia repair performed from within the abdomen.

Advantages of keyhole TEP or TAPP 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 forsedentary workers and around 1 to 2 weeks for manual workers. This should be discussed with your surgeon.

Incisions for open hernia repair           Incisions in keyhole TEP Hernia Repair

Disadvantages over open operation

• General Anaesthetic is always necessary.

Click here for an interactive presentation on Keyhole Hernia Surgery.