What does hernia repair involve?
Repair closes the defect and reinforces the abdominal wall with a mesh, which lowers the recurrence rate substantially compared with stitching the tissue alone. It can be done open, through an incision over the hernia, or laparoscopically through small ports using a TEP or TAPP approach, where the mesh is placed behind the muscle layer.
Which approach suits you depends on the hernia rather than on preference. Laparoscopic repair has clear advantages for hernias on both sides and for recurrent hernias, and gives less pain and a faster return to work. A large, long-standing or previously operated hernia may be better served by an open repair.
Assessed before any treatment is recommended.