Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Hernia Repair

Thanks to technological advancements and training, hernia repair at Ogden Clinic is faster, easier, and safer than ever before. In the past, hernia repair was performed with open surgery that gave patients post-operative scarring and several days off their feet. But now, Dr. Dunning can remove most hernias without a heavy toll on the body.

Dr. Dunning is pioneering minimally-invasive hernia repair in Weber and Davis counties. He performs inguinal hernia repair at Ogden Clinic with three tiny incisions opposed to one large groin incision. During surgery, Dr. Dunning’s view is guided with a video screen and a slender high-definition camera system called a laparoscope. The laparoscope is inserted into one incision and thin, responsive instruments are inserted in the other two. The space under the inguinal canal or within the abdominal wall is dissected and any organs that have entered the hernia sac are brought back into the abdominal cavity. After this, Dr. Dunning will place a piece of sterile, woven mesh over the weakened area and hold it in place to prevent hernia reoccurrence. The instruments and camera system eliminate the need for opening the abdomen, resulting in easier recovery for his patients. Dr. Dunning can even repair bilateral hernias (two inguinal hernias on both sides of the pubic bone) without any additional incisions.

Ogden hernia repair via laparoscopic surgery also decreases the risk of wound infection and post-operative pain. Most patients find that they need less pain medication and return to work even faster than those who’ve had open surgery.

Are all hernias repaired laparoscopically?

Depending on the type, size, and location of the hernia, Dr. Dunning may use a combination of open surgery and laparoscopic surgery on his patients. Laparoscopic surgery may not be an option for patients who:

·       Are pregnant

·       Have severe lung disease

·       Have had previous abdominal surgeries

·       Have had a bleeding disorder

·       Are obese

·       Cannot tolerate general anesthesia

Can hernias be repaired robotically?

While robotic surgery does have its advantages in some specialized surgeries, it does not have any distinct advantage in abdominal hernia surgery. In fact, has a few drawbacks including increased cost, longer duration of surgery, and larger incisions when compared to laparoscopy. Dr. Dunning uses a combination of open surgery and laparoscopic approaches to give patients with the most effective hernia repair benefits at Ogden Clinic.