Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

A hernia is a disease which occurs when the inside layers of the abdominal muscle have weakened. A surgery is the only effective treatment to prevent hernia related complications and ailments.

Laparoscopic hernia repair is a modern, minimally invasive technique for hernia treatment. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a procedure using small incisions in belly skin to fix the defect or hole with some synthetic material, the so called surgical mesh.

The operations is performed under general anaesthesia. Thanks to the minimally invasive nature of this procedure you may return to your normal physical activity almost immediately.

What is the purpose of laparoscopic hernia repair?

  • Reduce painful ailments;
  • Reduce the risk of incarcerated hernia and obstruction of the intestine or intestinal necrosis.

Patient benefits:

  • Inguinal hernia repair is performed with general anaesthesia during a one-day hospital stay;
  • The operation takes about 45 minutes and is safe even for elderly patients;
  • With laparoscopic hernia repair, you will probably be able to go home soon afterwards and get back to your normal physical activities;
  • The age of a patient does not matter as regards eligibility for the procedure and only extremely exhausted patients may not me qualified for this operation.

Everyone who suffers from hernia must not forget that it is not only a cosmetic defect, but also a potential risk of having dangerous complications.

An incarcerated hernia is a very dangerous condition leading to intestinal obstruction.
This condition is signalled by flatulence and abdominal pain. Then, intestinal blood supply disorder occurs followed by intestinal necrosis in the end.

close

Specialists:

Eligibility for laparoscopic hernia repair is determined during a specialist surgical consultation and if required an ultrasound examination is performed. Patients suffering from other diseases may require opinions of other specialists.

Eligibility for the procedure is determined and the procedureis performed by:

Andrzej Palewicz, MD PhD
specialist in general surgery, toracosurgery

close

Price list, refunds provided by insurance companies:

Chargeable:
  • Cost of verifying a patient’s eligibility for the procedure amounts to 80 €;
  • Cost of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair amounts to 2000 €;
  • Follow-up visits up to 4 weeks following the procedure – free of charge.
Insurance companies:
  • We signed contracts concerning medical eligibility and procedure coverage with eg. Luxmed a partner of BUPA
  • Check if your insurance coverage includes the cost of medical eligibility or procedure
  • If required we will prepare a treatment plan for your insurance company

close

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include:

In the beginning you may notice a tiny insignificant bulge which occurs after coughing or laughing and then flattens during normal calm steady breathing. With time however the bulge appears more often and grows to stay for good. Initially a hernia can come back to the abdomen by pressing on it with a finger. However, when it is impossible, you should immediately refer to a doctor to avoid the obstruction of the intestine and peritonitis.

Do not ignore hernias, the later the treatment is initiated the more complex procedure has to be performed.

A hernia does not heal on its own and it becomes bigger after a while and so does the risk of complications.

close

Treatment methods:

A hernia will not heal or become smaller on its own. The only treatment for hernias in adults is a surgery.

There are a number of treatment techniques for hernias, however the most commonly performed one is currently the so called laparoscopic mesh repair of an inguinal hernia (tension free).

A laparoscopic mesh repair for an inguinal hernia is the most minimally invasive procedure which allows to return to a full physical activity pretty soon. During this operation a special mesh is placed over the defect to reinforce the abdominal wall. After a while the mesh will grow into surrounding tissues making a resistant barrier against recurrence.

The procedure is performed using a general anaesthesia on a one-day stay basis.

close

Pre-op preparation:

On the day the procedure is performed you should refer to the Eskulap Hospital at 2 Koperkowa Str. in Osielsko at a scheduled time. 

When you go to hospital you should take:

  • Your ID document;
  • Your health insurance policy;
  • Certificate of hepatitis immunisation;
  • So-far hospital dischargecards;
  • List of medications used – fill out the form attached thereto please;
  • If you suffer from other chronic diseases you should provide a specialist’s opinion that there are no contraindications for performing the procedure; 
  • Permanent medications (for arterial hypertension, insulin, for asthma and others);
  •  Results of the following tests:
    – Blood cell count including platelet count,
    – Antibody to HBsAg result, antibody to HCV result,
    – APTT, INR,
    – electrocardiogram description  (for patients over 30 or those with heart diseases),
    – other tests (if they were ordered by your surgeon).

If you take blood thinners or anticoagulants, you should suspend them for the period of seven days before the operation upon consultation with your surgeon or general practitioner.

  • The night before you should have a light meal.
  • Remain on an empty stomach 4 hours before getting to hospital.

Due to a high risk of complications including an infection or deep venous thrombosis, a scheduled procedure is not performed on patients with BMI>30 obesity.

The final decision concerning the eligibility for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair belongs to your surgeon. 

close

How does the procedure work?

Your surgeon will choose the relevant treatment technique for hernia.

  • The procedure is performed with a general anaesthesia to ensure you safety and comfort and enable you to return home quickly and safely. Your anaesthesiologist will make sure the procedure is performed safely;
  • The procedure is performed using three small (0.5cm to 1cm) incisions. Surgical instruments are inserted through them into the abdominal cavity. If necessary, adhesions in the abdominal cavity are released and the so called ring of hernia is exposed. To fix the defect or hole a mesh from some synthetic material is used;
  • After the operation the patient is carried to the post-op room where he or she is monitored until anaesthetics stop working. A few hours later the patient returns to activities and receives a light meal;
  • You will have less post-op pain and return to normal activity sooner after laparoscopic hernia repair.

close

Recovery:

  • After a few to several dozen following laparoscopic hernia repair, you will be able to return home safely.
  • You are not allowed to drink alcohol or drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours from the procedure.

Post-op wound care:

  • Following the procedure you should change the dressing every day until the follow-up visit;
  • The wound should not get wet (that is why you are recommended to have a shower instead of a bath);
  • For the period of several dozen days following the procedure you may have some minor swelling or painful sensation in the operated region. Analgesic pills like Ketonal or Paracetamol will allow you to avoid pain and return to normal activities quite soon;
  • You are likely to return to full normal physical activities – work or exercises – after only a few days following the procedure.

close

Follow-up Appointments:

  • A follow-up appointment takes place after 7-14 days. Then the process of healing is evaluated and the stitches are removed. The remaining scars are really minor. This procedure does not reduce your activity and allows you to go back to your normal activities and work only several days following laparoscopic hernia repair;
  • Few patients report a difficult to describe sensation of aching pain, formication or soreness in the post-op region. Over the period of a few months from the operation these ailments release or significantly reduce. 

Follow-up appointments take place in the Hospital in Osielsko:

Andrzej Palewicz, MD PhD
specialist in general surgery, toracosurgery

close

Registration:

Eligibility for laparoscopic hernia repair is determined during a specialist surgical consultation with the surgeon who will perform the operation.

close

Disclaimer:

This website describes standard aspects concerning your disease and treatment. It is not intended to replace professional medical treatment or talk between you and your orthopaedic specialist about your disease, treatment or operation.

close