Types of hernia treated
- Inguinal hernia — the most common type; tissue protrudes through the groin
- Umbilical hernia — tissue pushes through the navel area
- Incisional hernia — occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision
- Epigastric hernia — between the navel and lower chest
- Hiatal hernia — stomach pushes through the diaphragm (often treated simultaneously with reflux surgery)
Laparoscopic vs open repair
Laparoscopic repair uses 3 small ports (5–12 mm) instead of a large incision. A synthetic mesh is placed to reinforce the abdominal wall from within. Benefits include less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stay (often day surgery), faster return to activity, and comparable or lower recurrence rates.
Recovery
Most patients return home the same day or the following morning. Light activity can resume within 1–2 days; strenuous activity and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 2–4 weeks. Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not all hernias require immediate surgery. However, symptomatic hernias (pain, enlargement, risk of incarceration) are generally recommended for repair. Your surgeon will advise based on the type and severity.
Recurrence rates with laparoscopic mesh repair are very low (1–3%). Following post-operative activity restrictions significantly reduces this risk.