Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery

A hernia occurs when inner layers of abdominal muscle become weakened. The lining of the abdomen then bulges out into a small sac, and part of the intestine or abdominal tissue may enter the sac. Hernias occur most commonly in the groin (inguinal hernia), the navel (umbilical hernia), and at the incision site of a previous surgery.

For information on hiatal, or diaphragmatic, hernias click here.

Some people with hernias remain relatively free from symptoms. But a hernia can cause severe pain and other potentially serious problems (e.g., infection, bowel obstruction). Surgery is the only way to repair them, because they do not resolve on their own.

Laparoscopic surgery can be used for hernia repair. Instead of one long incision, four or five tiny incisions are made in the area around the hernia. A device called a laparoscope, which is a miniature scope attached to a video camera, is inserted into one of the incisions. The surgeon is able to see the hernia and the surrounding tissue and organs on a video screen.

Instruments used to repair the hernia are inserted through the other incisions and the operation proceeds in much the same way as open surgery. Advantages of this technique include shorter recovery time and less postoperative pain.

Eligibility for laparoscopic surgery depends on a number of factors. The surgeon must be able to see the interior of the abdomen clearly, and sometimes obesity or large amounts of scar tissue make that difficult. Also, the patient may not be a good candidate because other health problems prohibit the use of general anesthesia.

Procedures
  A. General Surgery
    1. Laparoscopic Surgery
      a. Exploratory
      b. Appendix
      c. Hernia
      d. Gallbladder
      e. Colon
      f. Hiatal Hernia
    2. Conventional Surgeries
      a. Hernia Repair
      b. Colon
      c. Stomach
      d. Appendix
      e. Thyroid
      f. Soft Tissue Masses and Skin Lesions

  B. Vascular Surgery
    1. Repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
    2. Bypass surgery of extremities
    3. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
    4. Creation of arterio-venous fistulas
    5. Placement of central lines

  C. Varicose Vein Treatment
    1. TIPPS (Trans-Illuminated Powered Phlebectomy)
    2. SEPS (Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery)
    3. Deep venous thrombosis

  D. Breast Disease Management
    1. Evaluation of breast lumps (solid or cystic)
    2. Cyst aspirations
    3. Fine-needle aspiration of solid breast lump
    4. Stereotactic breast biopsy
    5. Sentinel lymph node biopsy
    6. Conventional biopsy
    7. Lumpectomy
    8. Mastectomy

  E. Gastric Bypass (Bariatric Surgery)

  F. Wound Management and Treatment

  G. Thoracic surgery
    1. Chest tube placement
    2. Removal and biopsy of nodules in lung and mediastinum
    3. Lobectomy

  H. Vascular Laboratory