Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

A hernia seen from inside the abdomen An inguinal hernia is a hole, or defect, in the muscles of the groin. Contents of the abdominal cavity (most commonly the bowel) 'herniate' (or pop out) of the abdominal cavity into the hole, where they fill up a pouch called the sac - this sac is formed by the bulging out of the inner lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) through the hole or defect.

Mesh used to patch hernial defect In key-hole surgery, the hole or defect is seen from inside, and is patched with a 'mesh' - this is a 15 x 10 cm sheet made from a polymer called polypropylene. The mesh is finally covered by the inner lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). This prevents bowel from sticking to the mesh.