What are the advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair?

  Abdominal wall hernia, commonly known as “hernia”, including: umbilical hernia, white line hernia, incisional hernia, hiatal hernia, straight hernia, femoral hernia, etc., is one of the common diseases that seriously affect the health and quality of life of the elderly. Conventional surgery involves making a 6-15 cm incision in the abdominal wall to repair the hernia, which is very traumatic to the patient and has a high recurrence rate. In recent years, with the development of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques and the reconceptualization of the abdominal wall anatomy, and the introduction of new repair materials, laparoscopic hernia repair has gradually emerged. This procedure can be performed with 2-3 tiny 0.5-1 cm incisions, which not only incises but also reduces the recurrence rate, making it the best surgical option for recurrent, bilateral, occult and incisional hernias.  Currently, there are two main types of laparoscopic hernia repair: (1) transabdominal preperitoneal mesh hernia repair (TAPP); and (2) completely extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair (TEP).  Laparoscopic hernia repair has the following advantages compared with traditional hernia repair surgery: ① good cosmetic effect, no large incision, only three small holes of 0.5 to 1.0 cm poked in the abdominal wall; ② less trauma, less postoperative pain and less analgesic drugs; ③ quick recovery, most patients can be discharged within two days after surgery; ④ no disruption of inguinal canal anatomy, levator muscle, no damage to vas deferens and spermatic cord vessels and nerves, thus avoiding ischemic testis. (5) Especially for bilateral inguinal hernia, it can be repaired at the same time without additional poking holes, and the minimally invasive effect is more obvious; (6) The recurrence rate is lower than that of traditional hernia repair.