Inguinal hernia surgery in Vienna

An inguinal hernia – also called a groin hernia – is the most common type of hernia. As a hernia specialist in Vienna, I repair inguinal hernias mainly with the minimally invasive TAPP technique: little pain, minimal scarring and a quick return to everyday life.

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia develops when there is a weakness or gap in the layers of the abdominal wall in the groin. Abdominal contents can push outwards through this weak spot and form a bulge.

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia

• A feeling of pressure or a pulling pain in the groin
• A visible bulge in the groin, often more noticeable when standing, coughing or lifting
• Some patients have no symptoms at all

Why should an inguinal hernia be operated on?

An inguinal hernia never heals on its own and usually grows over time. If part of the bowel becomes trapped (incarcerated), the blood supply can be cut off – a life-threatening situation that requires emergency surgery and sometimes removal of part of the intestine. A planned operation by a hernia specialist avoids this risk.

Diagnosis

No tests are needed before your first appointment. In most cases a careful physical examination in my practice is enough to make the diagnosis; in unclear cases an ultrasound scan is added.

Inguinal hernia repair: my techniques

Laparoscopic TAPP repair (keyhole surgery)

TAPP stands for transabdominal preperitoneal repair. It is my preferred method for most inguinal hernias and is performed under general anaesthesia:

• Three small incisions: one at the navel and two smaller ones at the side
• The abdomen is gently inflated with CO₂ so that a camera and fine instruments can be used
• The hernia opening is covered from the inside with a synthetic mesh
• The mesh is fixed with a special tissue glue instead of staples – which reduces pain
• The peritoneum is closed again over the mesh so that it grows in firmly

Advantages of TAPP: less pain after surgery, barely visible scars, immediate mobility, a faster return to normal activity, rare chronic pain and a very low recurrence rate. Hernias on both sides (bilateral inguinal hernias) can be repaired in the same operation through the same small incisions.

Open inguinal hernia repair

In patients with extensive previous abdominal surgery or adhesions, an open operation through a single 7–9 cm incision in the groin may be the better choice. The hernia is closed either with sutures alone (Shouldice technique) or reinforced with a mesh (Lichtenstein technique). This operation can be performed under general anaesthesia or under local anaesthesia with sedation.

After your operation

Many patients can leave the hospital on the day of surgery. I remain personally available for any questions and see you again for a follow-up in my practice. When you can return to work and sport depends on the technique and your job – I will give you clear, individual recommendations.

Priv. Doz. Dr. Emanuel Sporn – specialist in general, visceral and vascular surgery, international specialist in hernia surgery, Vienna.