Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (Inguinal, Para‑umbilical, Ventral)

Procedure time: 30–120 minutes • Hospital stay: same day to 1 night • Recovery: light activity in days; avoid heavy lifting 4–6 weeks

What is laparoscopic hernia repair?

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgical method to fix defects in the abdominal wall (inguinal/groin, para‑umbilical, umbilical and ventral/incisional hernias). The operation typically uses a synthetic mesh to reinforce the weakened area and reduce the risk of recurrence, while using small incisions and a camera for quicker recovery.

Who is a candidate?

• Patients with symptomatic hernias (bulge, pain or discomfort), enlarging defects, or complications such as incarceration/strangulation that require urgent repair.
• Patients with bilateral or recurrent hernias often benefit from a laparoscopic approach.
• Suitable candidates are medically optimised for general anaesthesia and brief inpatient care as needed.

When to choose laparoscopic repair

Choose the laparoscopic approach when you prioritise smaller scars, less postoperative wound pain, faster return to activity, or when repairing bilateral/recurrent hernias. Open repair remains a valid option in selected complex cases or when laparoscopy is contraindicated.

Comparison with open repair

• Advantages: less wound pain, smaller incisions, earlier return to work, better visualization for bilateral disease.
• Considerations: requires general anaesthesia and surgeon experience; may not be suitable for extremely large contaminated defects where open techniques and reconstruction may be preferable.

Pre‑operative preparation & tests

• Clinical assessment and targeted imaging (ultrasound or CT) for complex ventral or recurrent hernias.
• Routine blood tests, ECG, anaesthetic review and optimisation of chronic conditions (eg. diabetes, COPD).
• Smoking cessation and guidance on stopping certain medications (anticoagulants) before surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Several small ports are placed, the hernia sac is reduced, and mesh is positioned to cover and reinforce the defect. Techniques vary (TEP, TAPP for inguinal hernias; IPOM or component separation adjuncts for ventral hernias) depending on hernia type and surgeon preference.

How is the surgery done (short)

Laparoscopic access → reduction of hernia contents → preparation of the defect margins → placement and fixation of mesh (with sutures, tacks or glue depending on technique) → desufflation and port closure.

Benefits

• Durable repair with lower wound complications and quicker functional recovery.
• Less postoperative pain and smaller, cosmetically discreet scars.
• Excellent option for bilateral or recurrent hernias where open repair may be challenging.

Expected recovery timeline

• Immediate: early ambulation same day; discharge same day or after overnight observation.
• 1–2 weeks: light duties and short walks; wound discomfort and numbness usually improve.
• 4–6 weeks: avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise to allow mesh incorporation; return to full activity thereafter if healed.

Possible risks & when to seek help

• Risks include bleeding, infection, chronic pain, seroma, and recurrence. Specific risks depend on hernia type and patient factors.
• Seek urgent review for fever, severe increasing pain, wound discharge, difficulty passing urine/stool or evidence of recurrent bulge.

Tourmedx — what we provide

Tourmedx organises accredited hospitals, experienced laparoscopic surgeons, pre‑op imaging and tests, VIP transfers, translator services and comfortable recovery accommodation. We arrange virtual post‑op follow‑up when you return home.

Frequently asked questions