Compare Open & Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Chart
Open Hernia Repair | Laparoscopic Hernia Repair |
---|---|
Most common technique used for hernia repair. Techniques vary widely from surgeon to surgeon. | Less common approach for hernia repair. Requires advanced training. |
Can be done under local anesthesia with sedation. | Requires complete general anesthesia. |
Hernia is fixed on the outside by opening the muscles over the weakness. | Hernia is fixed from the inside, behind the muscles where the weakness is located. |
Requires standard surgical equipment. | Requires advanced laparoscopic equipment. |
Recurrence rates of 1-2% and infection rates of <1%. | Recurrence rates of 1-2% and infection rates of <1%. |
Basic preoperative workup is required. | Occasionally requires more preoperative workup since general anesthesia is used. |
4-5 cm incision in the groin or bikini area. | 1-2 cm incision next to the belly button, and 2 small punctures below the belly button. |
Mesh is placed above the muscle, and is secured in place with absorbable sutures. | Mesh is placed behind the muscle, and is secured in place with absorbable sutures. |
On average, 50% of patients have little to no pain after surgery. 50% use 1-5 opioids. | On average, 70% of patients have little to no pain after surgery. 30% use 1-5 opioids. |
All patients will return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. | All patients will return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. |
Most cost effective option for cash patients. | Higher costs for cash patients due to the additional laparoscopic equipment needed. |
Surgery is usually about 30-45 minutes in length. | Surgery is about 30-40 minutes in length. |
Even the largest, most complex hernias can be repaired. | Some large, chronic, long standing hernias can be difficult to repair. |
- ‘Open Surgery‘ page
- ‘Laparoscopic Surgery‘ page