Prof John Windsor

Hernia Repair

Open hernia repair: An open tension free mesh repair is the gold standard for hernia repair. Under general anaesthetic a skin crease incision is made in the groin overlying the lump. The hernia is identified and dealt with by isolating the peritoneal sac, reducing its contents, closing and excising the redundant sac and then gently laying a reinforcing mesh over the weakened area. The muscle, fat and skin are closed over this.

Laparoscopic hernia repair:While a laparoscopic mesh repair has strong advocacy from some quarters the overall benefits are slim. There are certain situations where a laparoscopic approach is preferable, and this is when the patient has a hernia on both sides and when there is the need to operate on a recurrent hernia. The laparoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair involves three small incisions and an extensive dissection of the abdominal wall behind the hernia and a more difficult dissection of the sac. A much larger mesh is used and fixed with a series of tacks.

The decision about which type of hernia repair is appropriate will be discussed with you and a decision will be made together.

As common with other surgeries, hernia surgery is also associated with certain complications such as local discomfort and stiffness, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, bruising, blood clots, wound irritation and urinary retention.

Royal Australasian College of SurgeonsThe University of AucklankMercy Ascotacckuland sages isdeihbpaaasuniversity-society-of-surgeonsssatiap Royal Society Newzealand