Question 1

Can both sides be fixed in one operation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, TEP is particularly well suited to repairing hernias on both sides through the same small incisions.

Question 2

Will I feel the mesh?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are unaware of the mesh once healed; any temporary awareness or pulling sensation typically settles within weeks.

Question 3

How is TAPP different from TEP?

Accepted Answer

TAPP briefly enters the abdominal cavity for better visualization, which is especially useful for recurrent hernias or when the diagnosis needs confirming; TEP stays outside the abdominal cavity entirely.

Question 4

Is recovery different from TEP?

Accepted Answer

Recovery timelines are very similar between the two techniques.

Question 5

Can this be done without general anaesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's often performed under local or spinal/regional anaesthesia, which can be an advantage for patients with other health conditions.

Question 6

Is recovery slower than keyhole surgery?

Accepted Answer

Slightly — most people take a bit longer to return to strenuous activity compared with TEP/TAPP, though day-to-day recovery is still quick.

Question 7

Will the hernia definitely not come back?

Accepted Answer

Mesh repair significantly lowers recurrence risk compared to suture-only repair, though no repair has a zero recurrence rate, especially with larger defects.

Question 8

Do I need to wear a binder afterward?

Accepted Answer

Many surgeons recommend one for the first few weeks to support the repair and improve comfort.

Question 9

Why is this more involved than a standard hernia repair?

Accepted Answer

Large or complex hernias have too wide a gap to close safely without releasing a muscle layer first, which is what TAR achieves.

Question 10

How long is recovery?

Accepted Answer

Given the extent of the reconstruction, most patients need 6-8 weeks before returning to full activity, longer than a standard hernia repair.

Question 11

How is this different from TAR?

Accepted Answer

Both address complex hernias, but eTEP-RS is performed entirely laparoscopically for suitable defects, while TAR is typically used for the largest or most complex cases and may involve a more open component.

Question 12

Is recovery faster than open surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, generally, thanks to the smaller incisions used in this laparoscopic approach.

Question 13

Will the hernia come back?

Accepted Answer

There's a modest chance of recurrence over the years, more so with larger hernias, which is why mesh reinforcement is sometimes used for bigger defects.

Question 14

Is this always combined with fundoplication?

Accepted Answer

Very often, yes, since the two conditions frequently occur together and fundoplication helps prevent reflux after the hernia is repaired.

Question 15

Is this an emergency surgery?

Accepted Answer

It can be, if the stomach becomes twisted or obstructed; otherwise it's usually planned electively once symptoms are significant.

Question 16

Will mesh always be used?

Accepted Answer

Mesh is commonly used for large diaphragmatic defects to reduce recurrence risk, though the decision is individualized based on the size and quality of the tissue.

Question 17

Can this hernia come back after repair?

Accepted Answer

Large hernias have a higher recurrence rate than small ones even with mesh, though most patients still have lasting symptom relief.

Hernia Repair

By Organ & Specific Surgery

Have Questions About This Procedure?

Hernia Repair

By Organ & Specific Surgery

Have Questions About This Procedure?