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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Inguinal hernia repair
Martin Kurzer1, Allan Kark, Tahir Hussain
1British Hernia Centre, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow.
Insights
Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgery in the UK. This article reviews hernia definitions, causes, and surgical treatments, including traditional and laparoscopic methods with mesh, plus post-operative care advice.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Inguinal hernia repair is the most common general surgical procedure in the UK, with over 100,000 procedures annually.
- Current day case rates for inguinal hernia repair (30%) fall short of Royal College of Surgeons recommendations (>50%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To define hernias and describe the etiology and surgical management of inguinal and femoral hernias.
- To explore differences between traditional and laparoscopic hernia repair techniques.
- To discuss the use of polypropylene mesh, thromboprophylaxis, antibiotic therapy, and patient discharge advice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current surgical practices and literature regarding inguinal and femoral hernia repair.
- Comparison of traditional open surgery versus laparoscopic techniques.
- Discussion of biomaterials used in hernia repair, such as polypropylene mesh.
Main Results:
- The article provides a comprehensive overview of hernia classification, pathogenesis, and surgical interventions.
- It details advancements in surgical repair, including laparoscopic approaches and the role of mesh prosthetics.
- Guidance on perioperative management, including thromboprophylaxis, antibiotics, and discharge instructions, is outlined.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing day case rates for inguinal hernia repair aligns with surgical recommendations and enhances patient throughput.
- Laparoscopic techniques and mesh augmentation represent significant advancements in hernia repair efficacy.
- Standardized perioperative care and discharge advice are crucial for successful patient outcomes after hernia surgery.
Abstract:
In excess of 100,000 inguinal hernia repairs are performed in the UK each year (Devlin & Kingsnorth 1998). It is the most commonly performed general surgical procedure and is routinely undertaken in patients receiving local anaesthesia in the day case setting. The Royal College of Surgeons has recommended that > 50% inguinal hernias are undertaken on day cases, although at present this figure is only 30% (RCSE 1993). This article defines hernias and describes the aetiology and surgical treatment of inguinal and femoral hernia. The differences between the traditional and laparoscopic repair of hernias are explored as well as the use of materials such as polypropylene mesh to enhance the repair. The need for thromboprophylaxis and antibiotic therapy are outlined together with patient discharge advice.