Laparoscopy in emergency hernia repair

Minimal access surgery (MAS) or laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized our surgical world since its introduction in the 1980s. Its benefits of faster recovery, lesser wound pain which in turn reduced respiratory complications, allows earlier mobilization, minimize deep vein thrombosis, minimize wound infection rate are well reported and accepted. It also has significant long-term benefits which are often neglected by many, such as reduced risk of incisional hernia and lesser risk of intestinal obstruction from post-operative bowel adhesion. The continuous development and improvement in laparoscopic equipment and instruments, together with the better understanding of laparoscopic anatomy and refinement of laparoscopic surgical techniques, has enable laparoscopic surgery to evolve further. The evolution allows its application to include not only elective conditions, but also emergency surgical conditions. Performing laparoscopy and laparoscopic procedure under surgical emergencies require extra cautions. These procedures should be performed by expert in these fields together with experienced supporting staffs and the availability of appropriate equipment and instruments. Laparoscopic management for emergency groin hernia conditions has been reported by centers expert in laparoscopic hernia surgery. However, laparoscopy in emergency hernia repair includes a wide variety of meanings. Often in the different reports series one will see different meanings for laparoscopic repair and open conversion when reading in details. In this article we analyze down to details on how laparoscopy in emergency groin hernia repair benefits patients. The surgical technique and special precaution required during the operation for emergency hernia conditions will also be discussed upon. The discussion on laparoscopic management for emergency ventral and incisional hernia will be left to the end of this article.