Operation after Lichtenstein
A plastic mesh is implanted into the groin. In the course of the procedure, tight scar tissue forms around the meshes of the mesh, which together with the plastic mesh provides support for the connective tissue. Many years of experience with plastic nets have shown that the initial fear of rejection reactions could not be confirmed. This hernia closure is recommended for elderly people or in case of larger hernia gaps, as well as in case of recurrent interventions (recurrence of an already treated inguinal hernia). However, there are surgical clinics that use almost exclusively this method.
Laparoscopic operations
(by means of abdominal or abdominal wall endoscopy) = minimally invasive surgery of the inguinal herniaThere are two techniques of “minimally invasive” hernia closure. One is “laparoscopic”, via laparoscopy, and a plastic mesh is applied to the hernia gap from the inside. No plastic mesh is implanted in children during this operation.
In these cases, the hernia gap is closed with sutures. The significance of this surgical technique is controversial today (see surgical risks). In the second method, the hernia gap is closed by means of an abdominal wall endoscopy, also using plastic mesh.
After the operation
After open surgery, patients often complain of pain, which is more pronounced with the Shouldice method. In this type of surgery the regeneration side of the body also takes the longest. As a rule of thumb: no lifting of loads heavier than 5 kg in the first 6 weeks after the surgery. This time is significantly shorter with the Lichtenstein surgery (using plastic net) and is 1-2 weeks.