Our Summary

This research paper looked at whether there was a difference between using one hole (single-port) or multiple holes (multi-port) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repairs. This means using a small camera and tools inserted through one or more small cuts in the body to fix a hernia. They looked at two types of procedures, TEP and TAPP, and compared how long the operation took, how many needed to be converted to open surgery, how long the patient stayed in hospital, and how many complications there were. They did this by looking at 16 different studies on the subject.

They found that there was no significant difference between using one or multiple holes for the operation in terms of how long it took, how many needed to be converted to open surgery, how long the patient stayed in hospital, and how many complications there were. This means that both methods seem to be just as effective as each other.

However, the researchers noted that there were some limitations to their study and that more research was needed. They suggest that future studies should be of higher quality and more thorough in their methodology.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between single-port and multi-port laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repairs?
  2. What were the findings of the research on whether there is any significant difference between using one hole or multiple holes for laparoscopic hernia repair?
  3. What were the limitations of the study on single-port versus multi-port laparoscopic hernia repair, and what did the researchers suggest for future studies?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic hernia repair is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a period of time as recommended by your surgeon. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns or complications that may arise. By following these recommendations, you can help ensure a successful recovery from your hernia repair surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for laparoscopic hernia repair are those with inguinal hernias, which are the most common type of hernia. Inguinal hernias occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.

Laparoscopic hernia repair is often recommended for patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and who have a small to moderate-sized hernia. It may also be recommended for patients who have a recurrent hernia, meaning that their hernia has come back after a previous surgery.

Overall, laparoscopic hernia repair is considered to be a safe and effective option for most patients with inguinal hernias. However, the specific recommendation for surgery will depend on the individual patient’s medical history, the size and severity of the hernia, and other factors that may impact their ability to undergo surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for their specific situation.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort at the hernia site
  • Patient may undergo physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose the hernia
  • Patient may be advised by their doctor to undergo laparoscopic hernia repair to fix the hernia

After laparoscopic hernia repair:

  • Patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the incision sites
  • Patient may be discharged from the hospital on the same day or after a short stay
  • Patient may be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a period of time
  • Patient may be prescribed pain medication and instructed on wound care
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and check for any complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about laparoscopic hernia repair include:

  1. What type of laparoscopic hernia repair procedure do you recommend for my specific case (TEP or TAPP)?
  2. How many hernia repair surgeries have you performed using the laparoscopic approach?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic hernia repair?
  4. How long will the surgery take, and how long will I need to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
  5. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative instructions or restrictions after the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of laparoscopic hernia repair compared to traditional open surgery?
  7. Are there any factors that may increase the likelihood of needing to convert to open surgery during the laparoscopic procedure?
  8. How soon can I expect to return to normal activities and work after the surgery?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my hernia condition?

Reference

Authors: Perivoliotis K, Tzovaras G, Sarakatsianou C, Baloyiannis I. Journal: Hernia. 2019 Apr;23(2):217-233. doi: 10.1007/s10029-018-01876-7. Epub 2019 Jan 7. PMID: 30617931