Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TAPP)
This webpage will give you information about a laparoscopic
inguinal hernia repair (TAPP - transabdominal preperitoneal). If
you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is an inguinal hernia?
Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle in the abdominal
wall, resulting in the contents of the abdomen pushing through.
This produces a lump called a hernia (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - Hernia - bowel pushing through a
weakness in the muscle wall of the abdomen
An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a
narrow passage in which blood vessels supplying the testicle pass
through the abdominal wall.
A hernia can be dangerous because the intestines or other
structures within the abdomen can get trapped and have their blood
supply cut off (strangulated hernia).
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should no longer have the hernia. Surgery should prevent you
from having any serious complications that a hernia can cause.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
You can sometimes control the hernia with a truss (padded
support belt) or simply leave it alone. It will not go away without
an operation.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes about half an hour (less than an hour for a repair to
both sides).
Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They
will place surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside
your abdomen and perform the operation.
Your surgeon will return the part of the abdomen showing out and
causing the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak
spot.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Laparoscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
- Injury to the bowel
- Surgical emphysema
- Hernia repair complications
- Developing a lump at the site of the original hernia
- Discomfort or pain in the groin
- In men, discomfort or pain in the testicle on the side of the
operation
- In men, difficulty passing urine
- In men, damage to the blood supply of the testicle
How soon will I recover?
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 one week. You do not need to avoid lifting,
but you may find it uncomfortable if you lift heavy weights within
the first two to four weeks.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Occasionally the hernia comes back.
Summary
An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in
the abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an
inguinal hernia can occasionally cause serious complications.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Ian Beckingham DM FRCS
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment