What is a hernia?

A hernia is a weakness or defect in the abdominal muscle wall through which part of the abdominal content protrudes causing a bulge. 

Inguinal hernias are the most common. Traditional inguinal hernia repair is performed by direct cutting through the abdominal wall at the level of the hernia defect. A soft mesh is routinely used to reinforced the weakened abdominal wall. The incision can range from 7cm to 15cm in length and is the main cause of pain after surgery. In Keyhole Hernia Repair, a laparoscope is used and the need for a large incision is eliminated.

A laparoscope is a small camera that allows the doctor to visualise as he or she operates inside the body through small incisions. Three small incisions are made, between the navel and the groin. These incisions can range from 0.6cm to 1.3cm, minimising post-operative discomfort and scarring, promoting fast healing and allowing for a much quicker return to normal activities.

Keyhole Hernia Repair is an excellent choice for the treatment of your hernia. This minimally invasive approach is easier on your body because of the smaller incisions.

Traditional inguinal hernia repair requires one or two 7cm to 15cm incisions.	Keyhole inguinal hernia repair requires three small 0.6cm to 1.3cm incisions

The benefits of Keyhole Hernia Repair allow you to:

• Return to normal activities faster
• Have much less post-operative discomfort
• Heal faster
• Have a much reduced risk of developing chronic groin pain

Other hernia repairs

In my practice, Keyhole Hernia Repair is proposed to a variety of other hernias such as: femoral hernias, ventral hernias, incisional hernias, hiatus hernias as well as more uncommon one (parastomal, Spigelian, diaphragmatic).

I have the largest laparoscopic series in Australia (500 cases) of inguinal hernia repair using fibrin glue for mesh fixation. The risk of complications is even more reduced when stapling the mesh is avoided.