Is the cosmetic result better in cases with endoscopic treatment?

For the endosocopic procedure normally three incisions are needed, which are each approximately 1.5 to 3.0 cm long.
These incisions are situated either in the sides and the belly button, or in the sides and the groin and do often leave visible scars.
In “open” surgery, which is carried out by experienced surgeons, a single cut of 4 – 6 cm in the groin area is made, that most often leaves a more or less invisible, very fine scar.

Are the endoscopic treatments in general better than “open” surgery?

No. In most cases “open” surgery is not only easier and quicker, but also has better results, with regards to the number of complications and relapses. Endoscopic treatment of hernias should only be used in cases of multiple relapses, according to the main surgical societies in Germany.

What are the disadvantages of endoscopic surgery?

Endoscopic surgery is – in comparison to the “open” approach to hernias – much more difficult and therefore

• may not be carried out under local or superficial total anesthesia
• may normally not be carried out in day surgery
• has a much higher number of complications and specially of severe complications, e. g. injury of the intestine, injury of the bladder and nerves
• the implanted meshes may not be removed again and can be an obstacle for later operations on blood-vessels and lymphatic nodes of the pelvis (e.g. in case of cancer)

Should a sportsman`s groin be treated surgically?

Yes. Since we know that the so called “sportsman's groin” is nothing else but an incipient hernia and causes damage and pain by compressing a local nerve, this defect should be fixed surgically.

How does the human body react to the implanted meshes?

These meshes have been implanted for more than 40 years in different forms. For this reason medical science has a vast experience with them.
The meshes, that usually measure only a few centimetres and weigh between 1.2 and 2.3 grams (in groin hernias, they may of course be bigger and weigh more in other cases, e.g. big scar-hernias) are simply “incorporated” by the surrounding connective tissue.
Neither any hostile reaction of the body, nor any allergic reaction has ever been found.

Can polypropylene-meshes cause cancer?

There is no case known where a polypropylene-mesh has caused cancer.

After how much time is the patient able to do sports after groin-hernia repair?

In our cases normally after only 3 days. Most surgeons, who are not so highly specialised in hernia-surgery, recommend a break of 6 to 12 weeks. The methods that we use allow the patient to conduct normal life and do sports so early.
We have excellent experience with this.

Is it possible to do a vasectomy together with a groin-hernia repair?

Yes. It is quite simple to combine both operations.

Does my health insurance pay for hernia surgery?

We have excellent experience with many different private health insurances from all over Europe and the US:
Nearly all the bills have been completely refunded to the patient by insurance.
This is also due to the fact that our treatment – even at highest medical standards – is normally much cheaper than “standard-treatment” in a public hospital.

How long may a patient wait between diagnosis and surgery of a hernia?

It is recommended not to wait longer than three months.

Does a bracherium help?

No! These devices should not be used any more:
They cannot heal a hernia, but can cause severe damage on the fascias and the connective tissue of the groin.