Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TAPP)

This page will give you information about a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP - transabdominal preperitoneal). If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

Weak spots can develop in the layer of muscle in your abdominal wall, resulting in the contents of your abdomen pushing through. This produces a lump called a hernia (see figure 1).

An inguinal hernia happens at the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in which blood vessels pass through your abdominal wall.

A hernia can be dangerous because your intestines or other structures within your abdomen can get trapped and have their blood supply cut off (strangulated hernia).

The Procedure

What Does the Inguinal Hernia Repair Involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes (less than an hour for a repair to both sides).

Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will return the part of the abdomen that is causing the hernia, and insert a synthetic mesh to cover the weak spot.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots

Specific Complications

Damage to internal structures
Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
Injury to your bowel
Surgical emphysema
Developing a lump
Continued discomfort or pain in your groin
For men, discomfort or pain in your testicle on the side of the operation
For men, difficulty passing urine
For men, damage to the blood supply of your testicle

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

You may return to normal activities when you feel comfortable to do so, usually after a week. You do not need to avoid lifting but you may find it uncomfortable if you lift heavy weights during the first two to four weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The hernia can come back.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Ian Beckingham DM FRCS

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.