Laparoscopic hernia repair is the repair of a hiatal hernia using a laparoscope, which is a tiny telescope-like instrument. A hiatal hernia is the protrusion of an organ through its wall or cavity. There are several different methods that can be used when performing this procedure. Among them are the Nissen Fundoplication and the general laparoscopic hernia repair. Hernia types There are two types of hiatal hernias. The two different types of hiatal hernias that are relevant to this surgery are rolling hiatal hernias and sliding hiatal hernias. A type II, rolling hiatal hernia, is when the gastric fundus is herniated, but the cardia portion of the stomach remains still. A type 1, or sliding hiatal hernia, is when the gastroesophageal junction and the cardia portion of the stomach move through the posterior mediastinum. Methods There are several different methods when performing a laparoscopic hernia repair. A few of these are the fundoplication and the general laparoscopic hernia repair. In bariatric surgery, hernias are repaired laparoscopically anteriorly, rather than posteriorly as in the fundoplication procedure. This general laparoscopic procedure was introduced by Sami Salem Ahmad from Germany. The Nissen fundoplication procedure was first performed by Rudolph Nissen in 1955. Laparoscopic hernia repair A laparoscopic hernia repair is when the hiatal hernia is corrected using a covering for the mesh that is used to repair the weakened area. The defect is then measured and the mesh is stapled into place. A benefit of performing Laparoscopic hernia repair is shorter recovery times compared to other methods. However, it is a longer procedure than most other methods of repair. Nissen fundoplication The Nissen fundoplication procedure consists of a 360 degree transabdominal fundoplication. A fundoplication is the suturing of the fundus located in the stomach and around the esophagus. The procedure itself is performed with the patient in a low lithotomy position at approximately 25 degrees. After the esophagus is mobilized, the crura is moved posteriorly using sutures to make room for a French bougie. When in place, a wrap is created and sutured to the esophagus and to the right crus at the hiatus as well. After this is performed, the bougie is removed and the wrap is further anchored with additional sutures. The trocar sites are then closed. Complications When performing a laparoscopic hernia repair, patients undergoing the procedure face complications such as postoperative urinary retention (PUR). Another potential complication is requiring