Hernia Surgery
The right type of hernia surgery is determined on an individual basis: every patient is different and your surgeon will discuss with you what is the most appropriate surgical approach for you. This will generally depend on the size of your hernia, where on the abdominal wall it is, whether this is the first time it is getting repaired, and what your general health is like.
Most hernias can be repaired in 1 of 2 ways:
Open surgery – During an open hernia repair, your surgeon will make an incision near the hernia. Then, the hernia is assessed, and if it is healthy, it is gently pushed back into place. Occasionally, tissue needs to be removed especially if it is stuck and/or unhealthy. Next, the layers of the abdominal wall are sewn together to limit bulging. This is normally reinforced with a piece of mesh which aims to reduce the likelihood of a hernia happening again.
Laparoscopic (“Key-hole”) surgery – During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes a few incisions that are much smaller than those described above. Then, using thin tools, the hernia is repaired using similar principles to open surgery.
The recovery and aftercare for each type of hernia repair is different. Your doctor or nurse will inform you what to expect after your surgery.