Laparoscopic or minimal access surgery (MAS) is increasingly popular for groin hernia repair. In MAS hernia repair the principles are very similar to conventional open surgery but with much smaller incisions. The principal advantage of the MAS approach is less pain post operatively (particularly for bilateral groin hernia repairs which may then be done as day cases) and a faster return to normal activities.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) now states that all patients may be offered a MAS groin hernia repair if performed by a suitably qualified surgeon. MAS repair of recurrent groin hernias is especially effective as by approaching the hernia from the back the surgeon avoids the scarring that would be encountered from the front and hence may reduce the complication rate. See Arjun Shankar's Latest Expert Advice for the Treatment of Hernias for more information.
On both sides of the body
Full medical glossary
The basic unit of all living organisms.
Full medical glossary
A condition that is linked to, or is a consequence of, another disease or procedure.
Full medical glossary
When part of an organ pushes through the wall of the body cavity that normally holds it. Hernias can develop in many different parts of the body.
Full medical glossary
intermittent claudication
Full medical glossary
