Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

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> Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

What is an incisional hernia?

Any operation on your abdomen needs a cut that is closed with stitches. Sometimes your wound does not heal properly and a weakness happens in the muscle layer. This results in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal muscles. This produces a lump under your skin called a hernia.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent serious complications and allow you to return to normal activities.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

You can sometimes control the hernia with supportive clothing or simply leave it alone. It will not get better without surgery.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic.

The operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours.Your surgeon will make a small cut on or near your umbilicus (belly button) so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide). They will make several small cuts on your abdomen so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen. Your surgeon will insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the operation.
Your surgeon will free up the structures from your abdomen that are stuck in the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after 1 to 2 days.

Increase how much you walk around over the first few days. You may need to take painkillers to help you.

Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work. Do not lift anything heavy for at least 6 weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities. However, the hernia can come back.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Keyhole surgery complications

Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
Developing a hernia
Injury to your bowel
Surgical emphysema

Hernia repair complications

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) under your wound
Difficulty passing urine
Injury to structures that come from your abdomen and are within the hernia

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

An incisional hernia is a weakness in your abdominal wall, which happens when previous wounds do not heal properly. If left untreated, an incisional hernia can cause serious complications.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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