Stomach Mesh

Ah right. Basically, it's a really simple standard procedure. They make three really small incisions, one at the navel, the other two at either side a few inches away. In the middle incision, they insert a tube which a long thin camera goes into. Into the other two, the surgeon can insert tiny instruments like grippers and scissors on long thin rods, and operate them. Once he can see inside, he'll locate the hernia, manipulate the herniated tissue so it's back in place, and place the mesh over the hernia. This is either auto-sutured (with an instrument that sort of puts tiny staples in to hold it in place) or hand sutured with a needle and silk.

Everything is done laparoscopically, so it's just "key hole" surgery really. On work experience, each procedure took about 45 minutes, although it will probably be a little longer for your Nan as she has more. It's all generally done in day surgery, which means she'll probably be able to leave that same evening, and they'll give her pain killers so it's not too sore

If you want to try and google the procedure, you could try looking for "laparoscopic hernia repair", will probably get you more results

Hope this helps!

Does key hole put less pressure on the chest than opening her all up? My nan is cronic asthmatic who has smoked since she was a teen and recently gave up. It is why they decided to wait with the operation - she collasped once before but they wouldn't operation.