A weakness within the lining of the abdomen is a hernia. This weakness may allow fat or a part of intestine to bulge out under the skin. The groin is easily the most common site for a hernia. This hernia of groin is called an inguinal hernia. For operative intervention existence of an inguinal hernia has been considered sufficient reason. However, studies have shown the presence of a reducible hernia is not, in itself, an indication for surgery which the risk of incarceration is less than 1%.

Laparoscopic hernia repair and other laparoscopic procedures are similar. A miniature cut is made in or simply underneath the navel under general anaesthesia. For allowing the surgeon to see the abdominal organs the abdomen is inflated with air. Before having inguinal hernia repair surgery there are many factors to consider, for example whether your hernia is strangulated or incarcerated and whether you produce other conditions that have to be addressed before hernia repair surgical treatment is appropriate.

The open approach is done from the outside through a three to four inch incision in the groin or the area of the hernia. The incision will extend through the skin, subcutaneous fat, and allow the surgeon to get to the level of the defect. The surgeon may choose to use a small piece of surgical mesh to repair the defect or hole. This technique is usually done with a local anesthetic and sedation but may be performed using a spinal or general anesthetic.

The laparoscopic hernia repair is becoming popular and in this approach, a laparoscope connected to a special camera is inserted through a cannula, a small hollow tube, allowing the surgeon to view the hernia and surrounding tissue on a video screen.

Other cannulas are inserted which allow your surgeon to work "inside." Three or four quarter inch incisions are usually necessary. The hernia is repaired from behind the abdominal wall. A small piece of surgical mesh is placed over the hernia defect and held in place with small surgical staples. This operation is usually performed with general anesthesia or occasionally using regional or spinal anesthesia.