Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Hernia Repair
What is Keyhole (Laparoscopic) Hernia Repair?
Keyhole surgery is one of the ways a hernia can be repaired. This is suitable for inguinal, femoral and hiatus hernias. Umbilical hernias are often repaired by open surgery.
How is a Keyhole Hernia Repair performed?
The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic meaning you’re asleep for the operation. The surgeon typically makes three incisions and then uses tools to fix the hernia. A light and camera is placed through one of the incisions to allow the surgeon to see the hernia. Surgical instruments are placed through the other incisions and are used to put the hernia back in place and close the weakened hole.
Keyhole surgery is often transabdominal preperitoneal or total extraperitoneal.
Transabdominal preperitoneal: A flap of lining covering your organs (peritoneum) is pulled over the hernia and mesh stapled to the weakened area to strengthen it.
Total extraperitoneal: The hernia is repaired without entering the peritoneal cavity (the space enclosed by the peritoneal lining)
The incisions are sealed with surgical glue or stiches
Key hole surgery has a quicker recovery time in people who have recurrent hernias or bilateral hernias.
There are also risks associated with key hole surgery. The main risk being that the surgeon accidentally damages the bowel during the procedure.
Surgery for a hiatus hernia is only performed if it is a sliding hiatus hernia or the symptoms are persistent and medication is ineffective or you don’t want to take medication on a long term basis. The principles for this surgery are the same, you want to put the hernia back in place and close and reinforce the hole it came through, but the procedure is carried out differently to that used for inguinal or femoral hernias.
How to prepare for a Keyhole Hernia Repair ?
You will be advised by the hospital when you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. You should also ensure that you have discussed the risks of surgery with your doctor beforehand. You will not be able to drive after the procedure and so arrange for someone to collect you from hospital or a taxi to take you home.
What happens after a Keyhole Hernia Repair ?
You should expect to go home on the day of your procedure or on the following day. However, you will feel sore and uncomfortable for a few days following the procedure for which you can take painkillers. An adult must stay with you 24hrs after the procedure to ensure you do not experience any problems. Constipation can cause further pain around the wound site and so aim to drink lots of fluids and eat high fibre foods to reduce the risk of constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives can also help.
