Which operation? Side-by-side comparisons

Where there is more than one way to do an operation, see the differences side by side, using the figures from Dr. Elalfy's own guides.

• Groin hernia: keyhole or open repair?

  Both repair the gap and usually use a mesh. Keyhole uses several small cuts and a camera; open uses one small cut in the groin.

  See the comparison

• Belly-wall or navel hernia: keyhole or open repair?

  Both repair the weak spot, usually with a mesh, under general anaesthesia. Keyhole uses 3–4 small cuts and a mesh placed inside; open uses one cut over the hernia.

  See the comparison

• Piles surgery: open, energy sealing, stapler or laser?

  They trade off pain, healing time, how likely piles are to come back, and rare serious problems. No single technique is best for everyone.

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• Pilonidal sinus: open, stitched or laser?

  Open excision has the lowest chance of coming back but heals slowest; laser recovers fastest but is the likeliest to come back.

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• Appendicitis: surgery or antibiotics?

  Appendectomy is the standard treatment. For some adults with mild, uncomplicated appendicitis, antibiotics alone may be an option, but about 4 in 10 of them later need surgery.

  See the comparison