Surgery

Laparoscopic Hernioplasty & Open Mesh Repair

Why It’s Done (Indications)

A hernia occurs when internal tissue or part of an organ pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle wall. Surgery repairs the weakness to relieve pain, restore normal function, and prevent dangerous complications like bowel blockage.

How to Prepare (Preparations)

• Fasting (no food or drink) for 6 hours before surgery.
• Pause blood-thinning medications as instructed by your doctor.

What Happens (Procedural Details)

Open Mesh Repair:

1. Anaesthesia & Incision: Under local, spinal, or general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes a single incision (typically 4 – 5 cm long) directly over the site of the hernia (e.g., in the groin or abdominal wall).
2. Reduction: The surgeon carefully cuts through the outer skin and fatty layer to expose the hernia sac. The bulging tissue or loop of intestine inside the sac is gently pushed back into its proper position inside the abdominal cavity.
3. Mesh Placement: To reinforce the weakened muscle wall, a flexible, sterile synthetic mesh is laid over the hole. It is anchored firmly into place using dissolvable stitches, staples, or surgical glue.
4. Closure: The muscle and skin layers above the mesh are stitched closed in layers, and a waterproof bandage is applied.
    

Laparoscopic Hernioplasty:

1. Incisions & Gas: Under general anaesthesia, 3 tiny incisions (5–10 mm each) are made near the belly button and side of the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is gently pumped into the abdomen to inflate it, creating a clear working space.
2. Visualization: A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light source) is inserted through one incision, displaying high-definition images of the inner abdominal wall on a monitor.
3. Internal Repair: Tiny surgical instruments are passed through the other incisions. The surgeon pulls the herniated tissue back inside the abdomen from behind the muscle wall.
4. Mesh Anchoring: A synthetic mesh is inserted through one of the ports, unfolded over the weak spot from the inside, and stapled or glued to the underlying muscle tissue before the gas is released and incisions are closed.
    

Recovery (Postoperative Care)

• You can usually return home the same day or the next day.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Manage mild pain with prescribed pain relievers.
   

Risks (Potential Complications)

• Bruising or swelling around the groin/scrotum.
• Chronic nerve pain or feeling the mesh (rare).
• Hernia recurrence or wound infection.