In general, as per all abdominal surgeries, laparoscopic approach has less pain compared to open incisional hernia repair during the recovery period.
In incisional hernia repair, with the laparoscopic approach, it may be possible to identify other subclinical hernia defects in the old incision and they can then be repaired at the same time.
Of course, some incisional hernias are so big that it may be impossible to perform the repair laparoscopically. In addition, when the surgical field may be infected, it may not be prudent to perform a laparoscopic incisional hernia repair which usually requires a mesh as placement of a mesh will be contraindicated.
*Dr Stephen Chang*
Medical Director, GLAD Clinic
Adj Assoc Professor, NUS
Founding President, Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (Singapore)
www.GLADClinic.com.sg
