What Are Incisional Hernias?

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is used in most cases of surgical hernias as standard treatment. A laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is a minimally invasive procedure that differs from the traditional open hernia repair methods. A laparoscope or thin instrument with a camera on its end allows the surgeon to see inside of the abdominal area by displaying real-time images on a screen. The herniated organs are put back in place, and the surrounding muscle and other tissues are sewn with sutures, tacked, or stapled to a synthetic mesh intended to hold the organ in place and prevent hernia reoccurrence. The small incisions made to allow for insertion of the laparoscope are then stitched back up. Most patients who undergo a laparoscopic hernia repair for an incisional hernia go home the same day or the next day following the surgery. Individuals who undergo this procedure are usually able to get up and walk immediately after but need to wait up to three weeks to resume any substantial physical activity. While traditional open hernia repair has shown to have a lower reoccurrence rate, a laparoscopic hernia repair has far less risk of complications and quicker recovery time.