Inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) laparoscopic

Laparoscopic surgery should prevent the serious complications that a hernia can cause and allow you to return to normal activities.

Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures.

These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.

Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle, resulting in the contents of your abdomen, along with the inner layer, pushing through your abdominal wall. This produces a lump called a hernia. An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage through your abdominal wall.

Removing an inguinal hernia is quicker than you think. It is common for adults to develop an inguinal hernia. There are short and long-term ways of dealing this type of hernia, but it’s always best to discuss the options with your doctor.

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes (less than an hour for a repair to both sides). Your surgeon will make a small cut on or near your umbilicus (belly button) so they can insert an instrument in your abdominal cavity to inflate it with gas (carbon dioxide).

They will make two small cuts on your abdomen, so they can insert tubes (ports) into your abdomen. Your surgeon will insert surgical instruments through the ports along with a telescope, so they can see inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will return the part of your abdomen that is causing the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

Inguinal repair surgery starts from £2,950*.

Our price package includes the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. Our costs include all surgery fees and aftercare appointments with our consultants.

However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately. We provide fixed term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 12 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. More details on our flexible payment options can be found here.

*This is a guide price for patients who are paying for their own treatment. The actual cost of your treatment will be confirmed in writing at the time of booking.

You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent the serious complications that a hernia can cause and allow you to return to normal activities.

Are there any alternatives to hernia surgery?

You can sometimes control the hernia with a truss (padded support belt) or simply leave it alone. It will not get better without surgery.

Like all surgical procedures, there are some complications that can be serious and can even cause death. Please bear in mind the general and specific complications regarding this type of operation.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring of your skin
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery

Keyhole surgery complications

Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
Developing a hernia
Injury to your bowel
Surgical emphysema

Hernia repair complications

Developing a collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) at the site of the original hernia
Continued discomfort or pain in your groin
For men, discomfort or pain in your testicle on the side of the operation
For men, difficulty passing urine
For men, damage to the blood supply of your testicle

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. You may return to normal activities when you feel comfortable to do so, usually after a week.

Do not play sports or do strenuous exercise for 3 weeks. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. Most people make a full recovery and can return to normal activities.

The hernia can come back many years later, and you may need another operation.

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal.

If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

Book your appointment online, or find out more by calling us on 0808 101 0337.

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