Nissen fundoplication

Hernia Repair

Colectomy

Cardiomyotomy
(Heller Myotomy)

Splenectomy

Cholecystectomy

Adrenalectomy

Gastric Bypass

Glossary

Members of
SAGES

The Society
of American
Gastrointestinal
Endoscopic
Surgeons

Laparoscopic Surgery for Hernia Repair

A hernia repair fixes abnormal bulges in the abdominal wall. This surgery reinforces the weak area with mesh to prevent symptoms and recurrence. In rare cases, where the intestine becomes twisted or obstructed, a part of the intestine might need to be removed.

The doctor will make small incisions through which a high-definition camera and medical instruments are introduced. The intestine or other tissue in the hernia sac is placed back into the abdominal cavity and the weakened area is reinforced with either a prosthetic mesh or by suturing the abdominal tissue.

The laparoscopic approach is an ideal way to repair either inquinal or incisional hernia. This technology eliminates large scars, and enables patients to go home shortly after surgery, often the same day. Additional advantages of the Laparoscopic hernia repair include earlier return to work, reduction of post-operative pain and enhanced recovery. Still, there are some cases where very large and/or complex hernias may require either open surgery and/or and a hospital stay.

Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin, the area between the abdomen and thigh. The doctor diagnoses this kind of hernia by doing a physical exam. An inguinal hernia is diagnosed when part of the intestine bulges through a triangle-shaped opening near the groin, between layers of abdominal muscle.

Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia is caused when a weakened area of the abdominal wall bulges through scars from previous surgical incisions. This can occur months to years after the initial incision was made. Incisional hernias must be treated surgically because they may widen and become increasingly difficult to repair.

Open repairs of inquinal hernia are complex and are associated with a 25% recurrence rate. Minimally Invasive Surgery may dramatically reduce the incidence of recurrence, yielding better long-term success.