The keyhole operation is performed under a general anaesthetic through 3 small incisions in the lower abdomen. Unlike the open operation, there is no big cutting involved in the keyhole surgery; hence less pain.

The dissection is carried out between the muscles and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), The hernia sac is dissected and returned back in the abdominal cavity. The defect in the abdominal wall is patched up with a non-absorbable (permanent) mesh. The mesh is placed under no tension and absorbable staples are used to fix it. 

Most people have this surgery as a day-case procedure and leave the hospital on the same day after the operation or next day morning. 
In the rare event that your surgery is converted to an open operation, your recovery will be slower.

Most patients return to normal within 7-10 days, and to work within 2-3 weeks.

You may need painkillers for the first 5-7 days. You could have a shower at anytime. You may drive a week after the operation, as long as you have stopped taking strong painkillers.

britishherniasociety.org/for-patients/