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Laparoscopic Surgery for Belly Hernias: What to Expect

Laparoscopic surgery for abdominal hernias is a procedure to treat a bulge of tissue that pushes through a weak area of the tummy (ventral hernia).

This procedure may be done right away if part of your intestine gets trapped inside the hernia and starts to lose its blood supply (strangulation).

Laparoscopic surgery is done through small cuts using a scope with a light and camera (laparoscope).

Tell a healthcare provider about:

1. Any allergies you have?
2. All medicines you are taking. These include vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
3. Any problems you or family members have had with anaesthesia.
4. Any bleeding problems you have.
5. Any surgery you have had.
6. Any medical conditions you have.
7. Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about risks. These may include:

1. Infection.
2. Bleeding or blood clots.
3. Damage to nearby structures in the tummy.
4. Trouble pooing or peeing.
5. The hernia is coming back after surgery.
6. Allergy to the mesh, if a mesh was used.
7. Fluid build-up in the area of the hernia.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to switch from a laparoscopic procedure to a procedure that is done through a single, larger incision in the tummy (open procedure). You may need an open procedure if:

1. You have a hernia that is hard to repair.
2. Your organs are hard to see with the laparoscope.
3. You have bleeding problems during the laparoscopic procedure.

What happens before the procedure?

When to stop eating and drinking

Eat and drink only as you have been instructed. You may be told this:

8 hours before your surgery

1. Stop eating most foods. Do not eat meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
2. Eat only light foods, such as toast or crackers.
3. All liquids are OK except energy drinks and alcohol.

6 hours before your surgery

1. Stop eating.
2. Drink only clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, plain tea and sports drinks.
3. Do not drink energy drinks or alcohol.

2 hours before your surgery

1. Stop drinking all liquids.
2. You may be allowed to take medicines with small sips of water.
3. If you do not eat and drink as instructed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

Medicines

1. Ask about changing or stopping:
2. Any medicines you take.
3. Any vitamins, herbal medicines, or supplements you take.
4. Do not take aspirin or NSAIDs unless you are instructed to.

Tests

You may have an examination or testing, including:

1. Blood tests.
2. Urine tests.
3. Ultrasound of the tummy.
4. Chest X-ray.
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG).

Surgery safety

For your safety, you may:

1. Need to wash your skin with a soap that kills germs.
2. Get antibiotics.
3. Have your surgical site marked.
4. Have hair removed at the surgical site.

General instructions

1. Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the surgery.
2. Ask if you will be staying overnight in the hospital.
3. If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult:
4. Drive you home from the hospital or clinic. You will not be allowed to drive.
5. Stay with you for the time you are told.

What happens during the procedure?

1. An IV tube will be put into a vein in your hand or arm.
2. You may be given:
3. A sedative to help you relax.
4. Anaesthesia to keep you from feeling pain.
5. Many small cuts (incisions) will be made in your tummy. Gas will be pumped into your tummy through one of the cuts. This will make it easier for your surgeon to see inside your tummy during the repair.
6. A laparoscope will be inserted into your tummy. This will send pictures to a monitor in the operating room.
7. The instruments needed for the surgery will be placed through the other cuts.
8. The tissue or intestines that make up the hernia will be moved back into place.
9. The edges of the hernia may be stitched together.
10. A piece of mesh may be used to close the hernia. Stitches, clips, or staples will be used to keep the mesh in place.
11. Your cuts will be closed with stitches, skin glue, or tape strips. They may be covered with a bandage.
12. These steps may vary. Ask what you can expect.

What happens after the procedure?

1. You will be watched closely until you leave. This includes checking your pain level, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate.
2. You will continue to receive fluids and medicines through an IV tube. Your IV tube will be removed when you can drink clear fluids.
3. This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.