Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Operation
– Exemption and sexual function
–Indirect inguinal hernia
– Direct inguinal hernia
– Femoral hernia
Surgery is performed through small (less painful) incisions. Through the incision at the umbilicus, a gas (CO2) is injected to create a space between the peritoneum and the back of the abdominal muscles. In this space, through 2 small holes, instruments are inserted that will free the inguinal hernias of their contents (bowel, fatty tissue, bladder). At the end of the procedure, the inguinal holes are covered with a prosthesis (gauze/mesh) placed behind the abdominal muscles.
The main advantages of this technique :The scars are smaller and less painful and therefore postoperative rehabilitation is faster than after a ” classic hernia repair ” according to Lichtenstein performed with a larger incision in the groin. The operation is always performed under general anaesthesia.
The operation cannot be performed laparoscopically if :
Laparoscopic hernia repair is not always possible if the patient has already undergone several operations in the lower abdomen. In a patient who has undergone an appendectomy, a laparoscopic hernia repair is always attempted.
A prosthesis is made of polypropylene with the following characteristics :
Over time, scar tissue will form through and around the mesh of the prosthesis, incorporating it into the adjacent tissue. This will form a mechanical barrier against pressure and prevent recurrence of the hernia.
If the prosthesis becomes infected, and does not respond to antibiotic treatment, removal of the prosthesis may be necessary.
If a large hernia is removed from the scrotum or if part of the hernia sac remains in the scrotum, the void left after treatment of the hernia may be filled with abdominal fluid (seroma) and blood.
The fluid collection can be emptied by punctures during the consultation, rarely the fluid has to be removed surgically.
Chronic pain after 1 year: 2 – 3% of patients suffer in daily life.
In normal conditions, pain is easily controlled with paracetamol (Dafalgan®) and low morphine dosage (Tradonal®). Pain symptoms should diminish over time.
If certain symptoms seem abnormal to you contact your doctor
If this is not possible, you can contact avec your surgeon.
If you are unable to contact your GP or your surgeon, go to the uremergency department at St Elizabeth Hospital in Uccle.
You cannot have erectile dysfunction after inguinal hernia surgery. The nerves for erections are not located in the operation area.
If the blood supply to the testicle or the duct that transports sperm from the testicle to the penis is injured, the testicle may become sterile.
Inguinal hernia surgery does not affect a future pregnancy. In inguinal hernia surgery, the reproductive organs are not in the operation area.