What is a Laparoscope

A laparoscope is a small, thin instrument with a camera at the end that doctors can use to see inside of your body without making large incisions. With a laparoscopic hernia repair, your surgeon can see inside your abdomen while performing the procedure.

When Procedure is Used

Hernias often are not dangerous when they first appear, and some will go away on their own. Some hernias, however, will usually require surgical intervention because they can lead to more dangerous complications.

During Surgery

You will be given general anesthesia to make sure your body is relaxed and you are asleep during the procedure. Your abdomen will be filled with air to provide space for your surgeon to work and then multiple small incisions will be made for the laparoscope and instruments so that the tissue, intestine, or other organs can be moved back to their proper places. Your surgeon will then use stitches to close the site where the hernia had pushed through the abdominal muscles. In some instances, a small patch of mesh will be sewn to the tissue as well in order to stabilize the area until it has healed fully.

Risks

The risk of complications is very low. However, potential risks might include

• allergic reactions to medications
• nerve damage
• bleeding or blood clots
• infection
• injury to surrounding tissues

Benefits

• prevention of further complications from the hernia
• elimination of pain and discomfort