This procedure is where a hernia is treated using ‘keyhole’ or laporascopic surgery.

A laparoscopic inguinal (groin) hernia removal involves ‘keyhole’ surgery to push back the protruding tissue and to repair the weak area of the abdominal wall. This area of the wall is often repaired with a patch of special mesh which is stitched into position during the operation. The mesh subsequently heals into the surrounding tissue, so strengthening the wall and helping to prevent further hernias.

You might have this procedure if you have an inguinal hernia (groin hernia) or a bilateral hernia. Surgery for an inguinal hernia is usually recommended if you are experiencing pain, severe or persistent symptoms. If a hernia is not treated, serious complications can develop if part of the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal, obstructing or strangulating the bowel.

A hernia repair is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation. You’ll be in hospital for up to six hours after the operation so you may need to stay overnight if your operation is scheduled late in the day or you have a long journey home.

During a laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end) through a small incision close to your navel enabling the operation to be viewed on a screen. Using other small instruments inserted through two more small incisions, the surgeon pushes back the bulge and repairs the abdominal wall using a mesh that is glued or stapled in place. The small incisions are then closed with glue or dissolvable stitches.