Laparoscopic Inguinal Herniae repairs have been around for over 15 years now. The technique has varied and there are different approaches with different results. In a nut shell, the procedure can be done outside the peritoneal cavity or extraperitoneal, or through (inside the peritoneal cavity) intraperitoneal so to speak. The access is always minimally invasive or keyhole.

 

In our practice we prefer the extraperitoneal approach. This has benefits in terms of pain control and uses a technique that is very similar to an open approach. The open approach technique was described by a surgeon named Stoppa. A mesh is placed in this space and it covers widely the weakend groin. The same mesh reinforces direct and indirect inguinal defects as well as femoral defects.

 

Patients can usually be done safely as day cases with no problems. It is a well tolerated technique with minimal pain. Return to work, as long as it does not involve heavy lifting, can be achieved after one week.

 

After 4 weeks normal activities should be resumed with no further problems.

 

Dr. Nicolas Oddone-Baridon