Hernias - Presentation and Management

Laparoscopic Surgery

Steps of Surgery

This procedure is performed under General Anesthesia.

► After administering anesthesia the abdomen and groin are prepared with an antibacterial solution.

► The abdomen is inflated with a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) to allow the doctor to view the internal structures.

► The procedure begins with several small abdominal incisions inferior to the belly button, which allow the insertion of the laparoscope and other surgical tools. A laparoscope is a thin, telescope-like instrument.

► A camera, which is attached to the laparoscope, captures and produces a continuous image that is magnified and projected onto a television screen.

► Using the laparoscopic surgical tools, the tissues and vessels surrounding the hernial "sac" are cut and tied.

► The intestines inside the hernia sac are pushed back into its proper position behind the muscle wall.

► The tissues are dissected to expose the weakness in the abdominal wall.

► The muscle wall is reinforced with stitches or synthetic mesh to complete the repair.

► The small abdominal incisions are closed with stitches or with surgical tape.

The small abdominal incisions heal faster and within a few months, the incision is barely visible.

Benefits of laparoscopic hernia surgery:

► Three tiny scars rather than one larger incision

► Reduced postoperative pain

► Faster return to work

► Shorter recovery time and earlier resumption of daily activities (a recovery time of days instead of weeks)