Types of Hernia Repairs

All patients require individual attention and evaluation, but the following are summaries of the different types of repairs. It is important to note that no one type of hernia repair, no matter how good it is, will be appropriate in all situations. With extensive experience and knowledge of many different types of hernia repairs, Dr. Pardieck recommends the best type of repair for each individual, according to their own circumstances.

Conventional Hernia Repair

There have been many types of hernia repairs for many years, and conventional repairs are still performed in select situations that require additional attention. These repairs usually involve sutures and no mesh. The conventional repair is usually more uncomfortable than newer, alternative techniques and sometimes requires a hospital stay. A patient is usually able to return to normal activities including heavy straining in 4-6 weeks.


Lichtenstein Hernia Repair

Called the "Tension Free Lichtenstein Repair", this repair involves an incision in the groin over the hernia (similar to the conventional technique). A piece of prolene mesh is sutured to the inguinal floor on its outer surface. This repair has a low recurrence rate, but the post-operative pain may be higher than with newer techniques. The normal recovery period to full, heavy activities is 4 weeks.

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Usually done only for inguinal hernias, this relatively new type of repair (1993) involves repairing the hernia in the abdominal cavity through three, very small incisions. A piece of Prolene mesh is used to patch the 'hole' from the inside. Most patients have surgery as outpatient under general anesthesia and can usually go home within a few hours. A patient can actually resume heavy activities beginning at only two weeks after surgery. Even two hernias ("bilateral or double hernias") can be repaired at the same time with the same recovery period. Since the repairs are performed through a sensitive laparoscope, it is imperative to have an experienced surgeon. Dr. Pardieck has performed over 2000 of these repairs with a .5% recurrence rate, making him a highly experienced laparoscopic hernia surgeon. Although this is an excellent type of repair, some patients may require a different technique.

Direct inguinal hernia as seen through laparoscope



Large, indirect inguinal hernia as seen through laparoscope

Ethicon Hernia System

A fairly new type of repair, the "Ethicon Hernia System" involves an open, anterior approach and placement of a special type of "three in one" mesh in the groin. One part of the mesh is placed under the defect, a connecting portion is placed in the actual defect (as a "plug"), and the other piece is loosely sutured to the outside portion of the groin and defect. Dr. Pardieck has excellent experience with this type of repair.