Keyhole surgery
Laparoscopic hernia repair (TEP / TAPP)
Keyhole mesh repair of a hernia, using either the TEP or the TAPP technique — and open repair where that is the safer route.
In plain language
What this operation is
A hernia is a gap in the muscle wall through which tissue underneath pushes out. It does not close on its own and no medicine repairs it. The purpose of an operation is to close the gap and reinforce it with a mesh.
Laparoscopic repair places that mesh from behind the muscle wall, through small ports rather than a groin incision. Two techniques are used. In TEP the surgeon works entirely outside the lining of the abdominal cavity; in TAPP the cavity is entered and the lining closed again over the mesh.
Which suits you depends on the hernia, its size and any previous operation in the area.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A groin or abdominal swelling that appears on standing, coughing or lifting
- Hernias on both sides — one keyhole operation can address both
- A hernia that has come back after a previous open repair
- Discomfort or dragging that interferes with work or daily activity
And when it is not. Very large or long-standing hernias, dense scarring from previous surgery, and some emergencies are safer repaired open. That is decided with you before booking.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
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01
Examination
Most hernias are diagnosed by examination. An ultrasound is used where the diagnosis is unclear.
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02
Choosing the technique
TEP, TAPP or open — based on the hernia itself, previous surgery and general health.
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03
The operation
Under general anaesthesia. The sac is reduced, the defect is covered with mesh, and the mesh is secured.
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04
Afterwards
Guidance on lifting and activity, and a follow-up to check the repair.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Most people are walking the same day.
- Some bruising or swelling in the area is common in the first days.
- Heavy lifting is restricted for a period that is specified at discharge, based on the repair done.
- Return to desk work is usually sooner than return to physical work.
When to go to hospital instead
If the hernia becomes firm, very painful and will not push back in — especially with vomiting — that may be strangulation. Go to a hospital the same day.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 What is the difference between TEP and TAPP?
Both are keyhole mesh repairs. TEP works in the space outside the lining of the abdominal cavity; TAPP enters the cavity and closes the lining again over the mesh. The choice depends on the hernia and on any previous surgery in the area.
Technique02 Is the mesh permanent, and is it safe to leave in?
The mesh stays permanently. It works by allowing your own tissue to grow into it, which is what strengthens the repair. Mesh repair is the standard approach for most hernias.
Mesh03 Can a hernia come back after repair?
It can. That is called a recurrent hernia, and it can itself be repaired. Following the lifting and activity guidance given at discharge is part of reducing that risk.
Recurrence04 হার্নিয়া অপারেশন না করলে কী হয়?
হার্নিয়া নিজে থেকে ভালো হয় না। অনেকের ক্ষেত্রে বছরের পর বছর একই রকম থাকে, আবার কারও ক্ষেত্রে বড় হতে থাকে। মূল ঝুঁকি হলো নাড়িভুঁড়ির অংশ ফাঁকে আটকে যাওয়া — একে স্ট্র্যাঙ্গুলেশন বলে, যা জরুরি অবস্থা।
ঝুঁকিNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.