Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Dr. Anthony Vine has performed hundreds of successful, minimally invasive  procedures to repair hernias.

Laparoscopic hernia surgery is a procedure used to repair several types of hernias including:

• Inguinal 
• Incisional
• Umbilical
• Femoral 
• Epigastric
• Spigelian
• Obturator 

The Minimally Invasive Procedure

During hernia repair surgery, Dr. Vine makes a tiny incision and inserts a tool called a trocar, which is similar to a hollow, small pen, into the abdomen or pelvis, each less than a quarter or half inch long. Once in place, Dr. Vine uses this trocar to insert various surgical tools, whether it be a tiny laparoscope, a device with a camera and light, or other instruments including scissors, graspers, coagulators, and suturing devices. The camera offers a magnified view inside the abdominal cavity on a video monitor. The abdomen is inflated through the trocar with carbon dioxide. 

Reducing the Hernia

The protruding tissue or organ, which is often part of the intestine or fat, is gently pushed back into the correct position within the abdomen or pelvis.

Reinforcing the Weak Spot

Dr. Vine places synthetic mesh over the weakened area in the abdominal wall. The mesh acts like a patch to reinforce the tissue and prevent the hernia from recurring. 

Securing the Mesh

Then, Dr. Vine secures the mesh using sutures, staples, or tacks. Finally, he removes the instruments, closes the tiny incisions with sutures or surgical glue, and covers them with bandages.

Dr. Vine uses a different approach to treat hiatal hernias. For more information visit our Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia and Anti-Reflux Surgery page.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

• Less invasive – tiny incisions cause minimal damage to surrounding tissue and less blood loss.
• Minimal pain – smaller wounds mean little discomfort and less anesthesia needed.
• Barely visible scars – small incisions heal with little to no scarring.
• Faster recovery – patients heal more quickly than with open surgery, returning to their daily routine sooner.
• Ambulatory procedure – discharge the same day or after a brief hospital stay
• Lower risk of infection – smaller incisions reduce the chance of infection.
• Greater accuracy – the laparoscope provides a clear, magnified view for precise surgery.

For more on the different types of hernias and how they are diagnosed please visit our Hernia page.