What is laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair?
TAPP is a laparoscopic technique for treating inguinal and femoral hernias in which the hernia area is reached through the abdominal cavity.
During the operation, the surgeon:
- enters the abdominal cavity through small punctures
- examines the abdominal organs
- opens the peritoneum over the inguinofemoral region
- dissects the hernia sac
- reduces the hernia contents
- exposes the myopectineal orifice
- places a mesh implant in the preperitoneal space
- closes the peritoneum over the implant
The mesh covers the potential sites of both inguinal and femoral hernias.
Our approach
At MSI, the hernia repair technique is chosen individually after assessing the type and size of the hernia, the patient's anatomy, and any previous operations.
The TAPP technique is especially effective for:
- bilateral inguinal hernias
- a combined inguinal and femoral hernia
- recurrent hernias after open repair
- hidden or complex defects of the groin
- the need to assess both groins at the same time
During the operation, the entire *myopectineal orifice* is assessed, including the inguinal canal, the femoral canal, and the direct hernia area.
Whenever possible, we prefer the minimally invasive approach, which reduces surgical trauma and speeds up recovery.
After surgery, the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)* are applied.
When is surgery needed?
Laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair may be recommended for:
- inguinal hernia
- direct inguinal hernia
- indirect inguinal hernia
- bilateral inguinal hernia
- femoral hernia
- combined inguinal and femoral hernia
- recurrent inguinal hernia
- recurrent femoral hernia
- symptomatic hernia
- hernias causing pain or discomfort
- hernias that are getting larger
Indications for surgery
Surgery is recommended for:
- a symptomatic inguinal or femoral hernia
- pain
- an enlarging hernia bulge
- limited physical activity
- bilateral inguinal hernias
- recurrence after previous open surgery
- several hernia defects at once
For an incarcerated hernia, the strategy is determined individually depending on the condition of the hernia contents and the presence of ischemia or necrosis.
How is the operation performed?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
A laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity through small punctures.
After the abdominal cavity is examined, the following are performed:
- identification of the type of hernia defect
- incision of the peritoneum
- dissection of the anatomical structures of the inguinal and femoral regions
- reduction of the hernia contents
- dissection of the hernia sac
- preparation of the preperitoneal space
- exposure of the myopectineal orifice
- placement of the mesh implant
- secure coverage of all potential hernia sites
- closure of the peritoneum over the implant
For bilateral hernias, both sides can be repaired during a single operation.
Advantages of laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair
- Minimally invasive approach
- Small skin incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Rapid mobilization of the patient
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster return to everyday activities
- Bilateral hernias can be treated in one operation
- Inguinal and femoral defects can be treated at the same time
- Assessment of the entire myopectineal orifice
- Detection of hidden hernia defects
- Reliable reinforcement of the inguinal and femoral regions with a mesh implant
Laparoscopic treatment of bilateral hernias
One of the key advantages of TAPP is that bilateral inguinal hernias can be treated at the same time through the same laparoscopic ports.
During the operation, the surgeon can assess both groins and, if necessary, repair both sides.
This avoids two separate operations and a second anesthetic.
Treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias
TAPP can be especially useful for recurrence after previous open hernia repair.
The laparoscopic approach allows the surgeon to work in a different anatomical plane without repeating the previous surgical approach.
During the operation, the condition of the inguinal and femoral regions is assessed and the myopectineal orifice is reinforced again with a mesh implant.
For a recurrent hernia after previous laparoscopic repair, the strategy is determined individually, taking into account the previous technique and the position of the implant.
Recovery after surgery
TAPP usually allows the patient to be mobilized quickly after surgery.
In the early postoperative period, the following are recommended:
- early walking
- pain control
- a gradual return to eating
- a gradual increase in physical activity
The length of recovery depends on the type of hernia, the extent of the operation, and the patient's individual characteristics.
A return to physical exertion takes place gradually, as advised by the surgeon.
Patient care follows the principles of *ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery)*.
Our advantages
- Experience in laparoscopic treatment of inguinal and femoral hernias
- Use of the modern TAPP technique
- Assessment of the entire myopectineal orifice
- Bilateral hernias can be treated in one operation
- Inguinal and femoral defects can be repaired at the same time
- Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent hernias after open operations
- Use of modern mesh implants
- Individual choice of technique and implant size
- A minimally invasive approach and fast postoperative recovery
- Enhanced recovery program (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
In TAPP, the operation is performed through small punctures, and the mesh implant is placed in the preperitoneal space. This allows the entire myopectineal orifice to be reinforced at once.
Yes. One of the advantages of TAPP is that bilateral inguinal hernias can be treated in a single operation.
Yes. The mesh implant also covers the femoral canal, so TAPP allows inguinal and femoral hernias to be treated at the same time.
Yes, especially if the previous operation was performed with an open approach. The final choice of technique depends on the previous operation and the anatomy of the recurrence.
Yes. The core of the TAPP technique is placing a mesh implant in the preperitoneal space to reliably reinforce the hernia area.
Modern mesh implants are designed to reinforce the abdominal wall long-term. They gradually integrate into the surrounding tissues and usually do not need to be removed.
It depends on the nature of your work and your individual recovery. With an uncomplicated course after minimally invasive surgery, the return to everyday activities is fairly quick.
Yes. A return to physical exertion takes place gradually, after the surgical site has been assessed and as advised by the surgeon.