Hernia Repair (TAPP)

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is a less invasive technique than open surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, but it is more difficult. Your surgeon will discuss with you the best surgical repair for your inguinal hernia.

An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It is a swelling or lump in your groin or an enlarged scrotum. It happens when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pushes through a weakness in your abdominal wall into your inguinal canal at the top of your inner thigh.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair uses keyhole surgery to push your hernia bulge back into place and strengthen the weakness in your abdominal wall.

You will be given general anaesthetic before laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair surgery so you will be asleep.

Your surgeon will make several small cuts to your abdomen near your hernia and insert tiny surgical instruments and a thin tube containing a light source and a camera (laparoscope) inside your abdomen. They will then repair your hernia.

For a hernia repair tap, instruments are inserted through your abdomen muscle wall and through the lining covering your organs, called the peritoneum. Inside your peritoneum cavity, they peel back a flap of your peritoneum over your hernia and attach a piece of mesh to the weakened area of your abdomen wall to strengthen it.

An inguinal hernia repair is usually recommended if your hernia is causing severe or persistent pain or symptoms, or if any serious hernia complications develop such as obstruction or strangulation.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

You can expect to go home on the same day or the day after your laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair procedure. As you will have had a general anaesthetic you will need someone with you for at least 24 hours after your surgery.

Normal activities can be resumed when you feel able, typically after a week. You should avoid heavy and strenuous activities if you experience pain doing so.

We recommend regular exercise to help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Please speak to a member of your healthcare team or your GP before doing so.

You should be able to drive again after one to two weeks, when you are able to control the car and respond quickly to any situation including performing an emergency stop.

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.