Laparoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), is a modern surgical technique that helps surgeons perform surgical procedures, such as repairing abdominal and groin hernias with smaller incisions, compared to traditional open surgery.
Hernia is a condition where an internal organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. If left untreated, hernias can result in pain, discomfort, and potentially severe complications.
Abdominal and groin hernias result from weakened muscles in the abdominal or groin regions. These hernias are usually caused by common factors that can elevate intra-abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting, chronic coughing, obesity, and pregnancy.
The weakened tissues allow internal organs to protrude; hence, individuals may require a surgical repair to relieve pain and prevent complications. The primary objective of hernia repair surgery is to reposition the displaced tissue or organ and reinforce the weakened area to minimise the risk of recurrence.
Laparoscopy involves making small incisions, usually less than 1.5 centimetres, in the body to access and treat various medical conditions. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and light source, is inserted through one of these incisions, providing a clear, magnified view of the internal organs on a video monitor.
Specialised instruments are inserted through the other small incisions to perform the procedure. After the procedure, the surgeon closes these small incisions with stitches or surgical glue, and the surgery usually causes minimal scarring.
Benefits of laparoscopic/minimally invasive surgery
Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery can treat various medical conditions, such as:
The applicability of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery usually depends on the patient’s overall health condition and disease severity.
If you suffer from abdominal and groin hernia, please schedule an appointment with ACE Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy for laparoscopic or minimally invasive and personalised treatment options tailored to your needs.
After hospital admission, you will undergo pre-operative preparations, including essential checks and anaesthesia administration. After the procedure, you will receive post-operative care, which involves monitoring in a recovery area and pain management.
Depending on the specific surgery and circumstances, your hospital stay may vary; however, most patients are usually discharged on the same day. Essential post-operative precautions include following diet, reducing activity level for a few days, and incision care instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.
Patients can generally expect reduced post-operative pain and return to normal activities relatively quickly, often within a few weeks. However, your surgeon will provide personalised guidance on your expected recovery time.
The number of laparoscopic surgery sessions needed varies depending on the severity of the condition. A single laparoscopic surgery session is sufficient for most patients to treat their condition effectively.
Patients with gallbladder removal or hernia repair procedures usually require only one surgery session. However, more complex medical conditions or cases with complications may result in additional sessions or interventions.
While generally safe, risks can include infection, bleeding, or injury to nearby structures. Your surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure.
The duration of surgery varies depending on the specific procedure; however, most laparoscopic surgeries are completed within a few hours.
Laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries are generally associated with less post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery. However, your healthcare team will provide appropriate pain management options to minimise pain during recovery.
Not all patients or conditions are suitable for minimally invasive surgery. Usually, a healthcare professional determines the eligibility on a case-by-case basis.