Thumbay Hospital Fujairah performs first combined laparoscopic hernia repair

UAE – Thumbay Hospital Fujairah has performed its first laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair using balloon dissection, combined with umbilical hernia repair, expanding its minimally invasive surgical services.

Dr. Laurent Leyani, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, performed the procedure using laparoscopic instruments, balloon space-maker technology and soft mesh fixation.

The technique enabled the surgical team to address both hernias through minimally invasive surgery without entering the abdominal cavity for the inguinal repair.

The patient, an Italian violin teacher in his 50s, sought a second medical opinion after experiencing longstanding pain from a left inguinal hernia alongside an umbilical hernia.

Following the operation, the hospital expected to discharge him the next morning.

Expanding minimally invasive surgical services

The TEP approach allows surgeons to repair an inguinal hernia by accessing the space between the abdominal wall layers without entering the peritoneal cavity.

Balloon dissection helps create the working space needed for the procedure, while mesh reinforces the weakened area to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Combining the inguinal and umbilical hernia repairs in one operation allowed the surgical team to address both conditions during the same intervention.

Minimally invasive techniques can reduce surgical trauma and support shorter hospital stays in appropriately selected patients, although recovery outcomes depend on individual clinical circumstances.

Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of the Healthcare Division at Thumbay Group, said the procedure reflected the group’s investment in advanced surgical techniques and the expansion of specialised healthcare services.

He noted that strengthening surgical capabilities would help bring more advanced treatment options closer to patients while maintaining a focus on patient safety, comfort and quality of care.

The procedure involved coordination between the surgical, anaesthesia, operating theatre and nursing teams.

Thumbay Hospital Fujairah acknowledged their contribution alongside the work of Dr. Leyani.

The introduction of the technique adds to the hospital’s minimally invasive surgical capabilities and supports the wider development of specialised surgical services within the UAE’s private healthcare sector.

Hospitals continue to invest in advanced surgical equipment and specialist expertise to expand treatment options, improve operational efficiency and meet demand for procedures that may allow patients to recover outside hospital sooner.

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