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.

The two major types of hernia surgery are traditional open surgery, and laparoscopic surgery. No one approach is suitable for every patient. Patients with certain types of hernias may benefit from open hernia surgery while another similar patient may need laparoscopic hernia repair. The size of the hernia, the location, and whether it is unilateral or bilateral influences the best approach. To compare open & laparoscopic hernia surgery, patients can read our individual pages:

Hear From Our Past Patients

Listen to our past patients discuss their experiences with choosing hernia surgery and how they compare open & laparoscopic hernia surgery.

Our Approach

Dr. Harris specializes in surgical repair for all hernia types. For patients who require a laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Harris commonly performs these procedures. When performing a tension free mesh hernia repair, Dr. Harris uses the latest and most advanced lightweight mesh available which significantly reduces pain and discomfort after the surgery. Many surgeons still use mesh which was invented 10 years ago which can increase the chances of postoperative mesh pain. Today’s advanced mesh reduces those risks to almost zero. Although open surgical hernia repair is still an important option for many patients, every patient should consider being seen by a surgeon who can perform advanced laparoscopic hernia surgery and who uses the newest lightweight mesh. Only a small handful of the hundreds of general surgeons in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego have the experience to perform hernia surgeries using laparoscopic techniques and use cutting edge lightweight mesh.