Surgery > Laparoscopic Hernia Repairs.( Key Hole Surgery)

Laparoscopic surgery is the surgical technique commonly known as key hole surgery. With the recent development of video technology in surgery, a technique where Inguinal(groin Hernias) and Incisional Hernias can be repaired using this method has been developed. This method has been used by specialist surgeons for more than10 years

Inguinal Hernia (Groin Hernia)

This technique requires a general anaesthetic and can be done safely as a day case or an overnight stay in hospital. If there is a hernia on both sides these can both be done at the same operation. If there has been a previous hernia repair then this method is ideal as no cuts are made through the previous scar . It involves a small 10mm cut near the umbilicus (belly button) and two small cuts (5mm) in the lower part of the abdomen. There are no cuts in the groin. The hernia is repaired with a mesh which is stapled into position( the staples are permanent). The operation is done outside the abdominal cavity so that there should not be any damage to any of the internal organs.

As with any form of surgery complications can occur but the incidence is very low. The complications that can occur include bruising, infection, groin pain and as with open hernia repair recurrence. Post operative pain is minimal ( usually requiring oral analgesia ) and return to work and leasure activities can occur within days.

The laparoscopic method can be safely done on the majority of patients although not everyone is suitable

Insert Diagram

Incisional Hernias.

This the condition where a hernia has developed through a previous abdominal operation scar . The recurrence rate of an open repair is significant and recent reports of the laparoscopic repairs have shown a low incidence of recurrence in the short term. The laparoscopic method requires the camera to be inserted into the abdominal cavity and the defect is closed over by a piece of specialised mesh that is sutured and stapled into position. Most patients will stay in hospital for 2 to 3 days. As with open methods complications can occur and in particular damage to bowel can occur as a result of adhesions from the previous surgery.

Mr. Peter Grossberg is a very experienced laparoscopic surgeon and has performed over 1000 laparoscopic hernia repairs.