Laparoscopic Treatment of Hernias
A hernia is a tear or a weakening of the abdominal wall that left untreated can cause serious intestinal complications. There are several types of hernias:
- Incisional hernias, which can protrude through scars from previous surgeries
- Ventral, or abdominal hernias
- Inguinal, or groin hernias
- Umbilical hernias, which resembles an inflated navel
- Femoral hernias, common in women, which are an acquired weakness in the lower groin area
Doctors usually recommend prompt surgical repair as the best treatment for hernias. The laparoscopic approach is preferred, especially if patients have hernias on both sides, or have had recurrent problems with hernias. Patients with very large hernias, however, may do better with the open approach. Today, many surgeons advise laparoscopic approach for single hernias.
With minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon makes a small "keyhole" incision near the navel, and elevates the abdominal wall by inflating the patient's abdomen with carbon dioxide after creating a space with a balloon. A small metal tube—or cannula—is placed through the incision and a tiny camera, or laparoscope, is introduced through the tube, which enables the surgeon to identify the hernia. The surgeon makes two more tiny incisions, placing two additional cannulas to introduce the patch, the stapler and additional instruments necessary to perform the surgery. The surgeon identifies the defect and staples the mesh repair in place. The patient often can go home that day or the next morning.
