Laparoscopic hernioplasty

This study compares the results of two laparoscopic hernioplasties: the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and the totally extraperitoneal (TEP). Over a 43-month period 1,115 laparoscopic hernioplasties, 733 TAPP and 382 TEP, were performed in 866 patients. There were 11 major complications in the TAPP group (2 recurrences, 6 trocar hernias, 1 small-bowel obstruction, 1 trocar, and 1 dissection injury of the small bowel) compared to 1 recurrence and no intraperitoneal complications in the TEP group. Five TEP procedures required conversion to the TAPP approach, resulting in one umbilical hernia. The median time to return to work did not vary with the approach, but was prolonged in patients compensated for time off, 16 vs 8 days for noncompensated patients.Results suggested that both techniques shortened recovery and eliminated most early failures, but the totally extraperitoneal approach reduced the potential for intraperitoneal complications and may be the procedure of choice in most situations.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Orlando, Florida, USA, 11–14 March 1995     

A prospective randomized study of Lichtenstein open tension-free versus laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal techniques for inguinal hernia repair

Ideal technique for effective inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although open tension free mesh techniques of inguinal hernia repair offers good results but the superiority of laparoscopic technique was reported for postoperative pain, discomfort and earlier return back to work. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique with the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique. 62 male patients with Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique and 61 male patients with totally extraperitoneal technique were operated and compared postoperatively. The patients were followed-up for 24 months with a median of 18 months. In terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, complications, hospital stay length, duration of limitation of normal daily activities there were no significant differences between the two groups. Operating time for totally extraperitoneal hernia repair was 16 minutes longer than Lichtenstein open tension free technique. The totally extraperitoneal technique was considerably expensive than Lichtenstein technique, however the duration of returning back to work was shorter in patients repaired with totally extraperitoneal technique. In conclusion in primary inguinal hernia repair Lichtenstein technique should be preferred and the totally extraperitoneal technique should be considered for recurrent and bilateral hernias.     

Mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty by percutaneous subcutaneous suture technique

Aim: The method of mesh fixation remains an issue of argument in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. Laparoscopic staplers, bioactive tissue glues and tacks had been used by various institutions for the same purpose. In the present article, we describe the percutaneous subcutaneous suture technique, which is an inexpensive method of mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Methods: We carried out a retrospective case series review of cases with laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair carried out in Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong from 19 November 2008 to 4 June 2009. Mesh fixation by percutaneous subcutaneous suture technique was carried out for patients with large hernial defects (≥ 4 cm), bilateral or recurrent hernias. Results: One out of 31 hernioplasties (3.2%) carried out with mesh fixation was complicated by recurrence up to 3 months of median follow up. Conclusion: We describe our alternative method of mesh fixation by percutaneous subcutaneous suture technique in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. However, further clinical studies are required to elaborate the benefits and long-term results of this method.     

A Prospective Randomized Study of Lichtenstein Open Tension-free Versus Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Techniques for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Ideal technique for effective inguinal hernia repair is still controversial. Although open tension free mesh techniques of inguinal hernia repair offers good results but the superiority of laparoscopic technique was reported for postoperative pain, discomfort and earlier return back to work. A prospective, randomized study was conducted to compare Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique with the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique. 62 male patients with Lichtenstein open tension free mesh technique and 61 male patients with totally extraperitoneal technique were operated and compared postoperatively. The patients were followed-up for 24 months with a median of 18 months. In terms of recurrence, postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, complications, hospital stay lenght, duration of limitation of normal daily activities there were no significant differences between the two groups. Operating time for totally extraperitoneal hernia repair was 16 minutes longer than Lichtenstein open tension free technique. The totally extraperitoneal technique was considerably expensive than Lichtenstein technique, however the duration of returning back to work was shorter in patients repaired with totally extraperitoneal technique.

In conclusion in primary inguinal hernia repair Lichtenstein technique should be preferred and the totally extraperito neal technique should be considered for recurrent and bilateral hernias.     

Repair of inguinal hernias using the mesh technique during extraperitoneal pelvic lymph node dissection.

PURPOSE: This article describes our experience of using a totally extraperitoneal approach for endoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and inguinal hernia repair with the mesh technique in one procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 52 patients underwent modified pelvic lymph node dissection for the staging of prostate cancer. Eight of them had hernia defects; 1 was recurrent. Five patients with direct and 3 patients with indirect inguinal hernias were treated by totally extraperitoneal hernia repair with the placement of a mesh measuring at least 10 x 15 cm (prolene mesh with incision and flap). RESULTS: The mean duration of the lymphadenectomy itself was decreased from 150 min (first 20 patients) to 70 min (n = 21-52). The mean additional procedure time for hernioplasty was 15 min. The overall lymph node-positive rate was 9.6%. The complication rate was 7.7%. Four patients developed symptomatic lymphoceles, 1 of whom developed deep venous thrombosis. No complications occurred which were attributed to hernia repair. Morbidity did not rise, and hospitalization time did not increase for the patients who underwent hernioplasty. There were no recurrences or neuralgias on follow-up up to 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: By avoiding entry into the peritoneal cavity, the extraperitoneal approach obviates intra-abdominal complications (ileus, bowel injury, peritonitis) in both techniques. The extraperitoneal approach for pelvic lymph node dissection allows concomitant inguinal hernia to be repaired with low morbidity and within an acceptable operating time.     

单孔腹腔镜全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术的效果探讨

目的:探讨单孔腹腔镜全腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术(totally extraperitoneal,TEP)的安全性及可行性,并总结其手术要点。方法:回顾分析2015年9月至2016年12月我院为25例腹股沟疝患者行单孔腹腔镜TEP的临床资料。结果:25例手术均获成功,无一例中转开放手术。手术时间67~123 min,平均(90.04±15.30)min;术后住院2~4 d,平均(3.16±0.75)d。2例患者术后发生阴囊血清肿,术后均无慢性疼痛、切口感染及补片排斥反应等其他术后并发症发生,切口愈合佳。术后随访3~24个月,无复发病例。结论:单孔腹腔镜TEP治疗腹股沟疝是安全、可行的,术后瘢痕小,美容效果好,可在熟练掌握常规腹腔镜TEP的基础上应用于对美观要求较高的患者。     

The endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy (EERPE): technique and initial experience

Using the experiences of the extraperitoneal (endoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and inguinal hernia repair) and the transperitoneal approach (laparoscopic radical prostatectomy), we developed a totally extraperitoneal approach to endoscopic radical prostatectomy. In view of the favourable short-term outcome, we describe the technique of totally extraperitoneal endoscopic radical prostatectomy (EERPE) as a now standardised procedure. After creating the preperitoneal space by balloon dissection, five trocars were placed in the hypogastrium, allowing immediate access to the space of Retzius. The surgical technique of EERPE replicates the steps of the classical retropubic descending radical prostatectomy with slight modifications. The procedure starts with exposing the Retzius space and pelvic lymph node dissection. After that, the endopelvic fascia and the puboprostatic ligaments are incised, followed by ligating the Santorini plexus. The actual prostate dissection is similar to the open descending approach: bladder neck dissection, freeing of the seminal vesicles, transsectioning of the prostatic vesicles (with or without preserving the neurovascular bundles) and, finally, apical dissection. A water-tight urethrovesical anastomosis is performed with interrupted sutures. There were 20 patients who underwent EERPE. Mean operating time was 170 min with no conversion. No major complications occurred. Only one patient required a blood transfusion. The catheter could be removed on postoperative day 6 (n = 17) or on postoperative day 12 (n = 3). Final pathologic evaluations were 4 stage pT2a, 10 stage pT2b, 5 stage pT3a, and 1 pT3b. Surgical margins were negative in 17 patients. By avoiding entry into the peritoneal cavity, therefore, obviating intra-abdominal complications, such as bowel injury, ileus, or intestinal adhesions, the extraperitoneal endoscopic access provides a safe and minimally invasive approach to the prostate, combining the advantages of minimally invasive laparoscopy and retropubic open prostatectomy.     

聚丙烯补片应用于完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术治疗体会

目的 探讨完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术(TEP)应用聚丙烯补片治疗腹股沟疝的临床疗效.方法 采集我院2008年12月至2011年6月收治的腹股沟疝患者12例,应用聚丙烯补片可吸收线缝合固定行完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝.结果 12例患者手术均顺利完成,手术时间45~70 min,平均60 min.术中无明显出血,术后无腹股沟区疼痛、麻木、阴囊肿胀等并发症,术后48 h出院.1例男性患者术后7 d即行重体力劳动后复发,遂行开放手术,术中探查发现补片移位至内侧联合腱处,取出补片,然后使用锥形疝环充填物及补片行无张力修补术,术后随访12个月未见复发.其他患者随访3~18个月,未出现疝复发.结论 应用聚丙烯补片行完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝是完全可行的,免钉合、费用低、无需特殊器材,有利于该术式的推广和应用.     

Comparison of extraperitoneoscopic and transperitoneoscopic techniques for the treatment of bilateral varicocele

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic varicocelectomy has been performed in patients with bilateral varicocele. This procedure could be performed either transperitoneally or extraperitoneally. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and morbidity of the two approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent transperitoneal repair. Twelve of them had complaints of infertility, and nine of them had pain. Eighteen patient underwent extraperitoneal repair. Twelve of them had complaints of infertility, and six of them had pain. All the patients with pain had clinical varicoceles. In each group, three patients with infertility had unilateral subclinical varicoceles. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the duration of surgery, artery-vein discrimination, or morbidity between the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal techniques. In both approaches, the previously infertile patients who have been followed more than 6 months had significant improvement in sperm counts and motilities (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the improvement in the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the transperitoneal and extraperitoneal techniques in terms of effectiveness and morbidity. The difficulty in identifying the internal spermatic vein and the additional cost of the balloon dissector for the extraperitoneal technique makes us prefer transperitoneal repair.     

Laparoscopic Hernia: Umbilical-Pubis Length Versus Technical Difficulty

Laparoscopic hernia repair is more difficult than open hernia repair. The totally extraperitoneal procedure with 3 trocars on the midline is more comfortable for the surgeon. We studied the impact of the length between the umbilicus and the pubis on the totally extraperitoneal procedure (95 hernias operated on in 70 patients). This length did not influence the totally extraperitoneal procedure in this study.

Background:

The laparoscopic repair of hernias is considered to be difficult especially for the totally extra-peritoneal technique (TEP) due to a limited working space and different appreciation of the usual anatomical landmarks seen through an anterior approach. The aim of our study has been to answer a question: does the umbilical-pubic distance, which influences the size of the mesh, affect the TEP technique used in the treatment of inguinal hernias?

Methods:

From January 2001 to May 2011, the umbilical-pubic (UP) distance was measured with a sterile ruler graduated in centimeters in all patients who underwent a symptomatic inguinal hernia by the TEP technique in two hernia surgery centers. The sex, age, BMI, hernia type, UP distance, operation time, hospital stay and complications were prospectively examined based on the medical records.

Results:

Seventy patients underwent 95 inguinal hernia repairs by the TEP technique. The umbilical-pubic distance average was 14 cm (10 to 22) and a 25 kg/m2 (16–30) average concerning the body mass index (BMI). Seventy percent of patients were treated on an outpatient basis. The postoperative course was very simple. There was no recurrence of hernia within this early postoperative period.

Conclusion:

The umbilical-pubic distance had no influence on the production of TEP with 3 trocars on the midline in this study.     

Prosthetic treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias via laparoscopic approach or Stoppa procedure

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this prospective non-randomized study was to compare Stoppa's technique to laparoscopic approach in totally extraperitoneal repair of bilateral inguinal hernia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From December 1996 to December 1998, 117 consecutive patients with 234 hernias underwent either Stoppa's technique (74 patients) or a totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach (43 patients). Patients were randomized in two groups according to the surgeon to whom they were referred. All patients were reviewed in December 1999. RESULTS: There was no mortality. Complications occurred in 3% of patients after Stoppa's technique (group S) and in 4% of patients in the laparoscopic group (group L). The conversion rate was 7% (3 cases). Postoperative analgesia use, hospital stay, and duration of disability were significantly shorter in group L, the cost was lower, but the operating time was significantly longer than in group S. Recurrence rates were similar in the two groups: 2% in group S, 1.1% in group L. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach appears to be preferable to Stoppa's technique in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia.     

Comparison of transperitoneal and extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using match-pair analysis

PURPOSE: Based on the experience of 1000 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, we compared the operative parameters of transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approaches in match-paired patient groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 53 consecutive patients who underwent selectively extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy comparing it to 53 match-paired patients treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The patients were matched for age, PSA (ng/ml), prostate volume (g), pathologic stage, Gleason score, presence of pelvic lymph node dissection and type of nerve-sparing technique. Perioperative parameters (operating time, blood donation, complications) and postoperative results (duration and amount of analgesic treatment, catheterization time) as well as oncological (surgical margin status) and functional (continence rate) results were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients were 62.9 +/- 5.5 versus 62.9 +/- 5.4 years old, had 27.5 +/- 3.5 kg/m2 versus 26.7 +/- 2.8 kg/m2 body mass indices in the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal groups, respectively. Preoperative mean PSA and prostate volume were 7.4 +/- 4.6 ng/ml and 41.8 +/- 16.3 g in the extraperitoneal, 7.6 +/- 3.8 ng/ml and 42.0 +/- 14.8 g in the transperitoneal group. Pathologic stages were T2a in 12 vs. 13, T2b in 21 vs. 20, T2c in 7 vs. 8, T3a in 11 vs. 10 and T3b in 2 vs. 2 patients for both groups. Overall 211.8 vs. 197.1 minutes mean operative time (p = 0.328) and 21.9 +/- 15.4 mg vs. 26.3 +/- 15.8 mg narcotic analgesic requirements (p = 0.111) did not differ significantly in both groups. However, mean operating time was significantly longer in the extraperitoneal group when performing pelvic lymphadenectomy (244.5 vs. 209.6 minutes, p = 0.017). There was no statistical difference of complication rate (4% vs. 2%) and median catheter time (7 vs. 7 days), positive surgical margins (22.6% vs. 20.7%) and 12 months continence (86.7% vs. 84.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal approaches using the Heilbronn technique regarding all important parameters. In addition to the preference and experience of the individual surgeon, previous abdominal surgery, gross obesity and requirement of simultaneous inguinal hernia repair may be considered as selective indications for extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.     

Impact of previous appendectomy on the outcomes of endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

Previous lower abdominal surgery presents a technical challenge during endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty. Whether the presence of appendectomy scarring and adhesions will adversely influence the outcomes of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty remains largely unknown. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the safety of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty in patients with a history of appendectomy and examine its impact on the perioperative outcomes. Between November 1999 and September 2003, patients who underwent totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty and had previous appendectomy were recruited as the appendectomy group. For each case patient, 3 age-matched cohorts were randomly selected during the same period. Perioperative data and postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups of patients. A total of 92 patients, 23 cases and 69 controls, were recruited. There was no predominance of either direct or indirect inguinal hernia in the appendectomy group. One patient in the appendectomy group required conversion to transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty because of adhesions. The incidence of peritoneal tear and operative time was higher and longer in the appendectomy group respectively but the differences were not significant. Comparisons of the mean duration of hospitalization, postoperative morbidity rates, pain scores, and time taken to resume normal activities showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty in patients who had previous appendectomy was technically safe. A higher incidence of peritoneal tear was anticipated in the presence of appendectomy scarring and adhesions. Postoperative recovery and outcomes were equivalent to those who had no history of appendectomy.     

腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术手术技巧与并发症防治的研究

目的探讨全腹膜外腹腔镜疝修补（TEP）手术技巧和并发症的预防及治疗。方法对我科47例TEP手术患者临床资料进行回顾性总结分析。结果全部患者行腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术，1例中转手术，全部患者随访至今无复发。手术时间19～120min，平均手术时间50min。术后无需镇痛，住院时间4—7d，平均4．5d。主要并发症为阴囊血清肿或血肿、腹股沟区疼痛。结论正确建立腹膜外间隙和Trocar置入；熟悉解剖、仔细操作、彻底止血；准确的疝囊的分离及补片植入是手术成功和避免并发症的关键。     

Randomized comparison of extraperitoneal and transperitoneal access for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Although extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is gaining popularity, the majority of these procedures are performed transperitoneally. The purpose of this study was to compare the transperitoneal and extraperitoneal approaches for RARP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomized 62 consecutive patients undergoing RARP into two equal groups according to the route of access. The groups were evaluated for age, body mass index (BMI), preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) concentration, total operating time, estimated blood loss, specimen weight, pathologic Gleason score and stage, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and surgical-margin status. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted the extraperitoneal and transperitoneal groups with respect total operative time (181 v 191 minutes), blood loss (199 v 163 mL), pathologic Gleason score (6.6 v 6.7), specimen weight (53 v 48 g), or positive-margin status (0 v 1 patient). There were no significant differences in age (56 v 59 years) or PSA (7.8 v 6.1 ng/dL). However, the BMI was significantly higher in the extraperitoneal group (29.8 v 26.5 kg/m(2); P < 0.01). The only complication in the study was a urine leak, which occurred in the transperitoneal group and was managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in operative parameters in the two groups. Choice of access should be based on patient characteristics as well as surgeon preference. Patients who have had abdominal operations are best suited for the extraperitoneal route. Surgeons should be familiar with both approaches in order to provide patients with the best care.     

Totally extraperitoneal endoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Conventional repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is associated with a re-recurrence rate as high as 35 per cent. Endoscopic mesh repair has promising results regarding both recurrence and complication rates. METHODS: In a retrospective review, the results of endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair were evaluated in 104 patients with 108 recurrent hernias. Follow-up was at least 1 year. Type of recurrence, time of occurrence after previous repair, duration of surgery, complications, duration of hospital stay and number of re-recurrences were evaluated. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 12 to 29 (mean 16) months. Forty-three recurrences were direct, 41 indirect and 15 combined; one was a femoral hernia. Median time to previous operation was 36 months (range 8 days to 42 years). Median duration of surgery was 63 (range 25--160) min. While there were no complications during operation, 12 patients (12 per cent) had a postoperative complication. Two direct re-recurrences (2 per cent) occurred as a result of inadequate positioning of the prosthetic mesh. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique is safe and effective for the repair of recurrent inguinal hernia.     

General vs regional anaesthesia in outpatient treatment for inguinal hernias using extraperitoneal laparoscopy

Summary The treatment of inguinal hernias using laparoscopy can be performed without violating the peritoneal cavity using the totally extraperitoneal technique (TEP). This procedure is usually done with general anaesthesia. The objective of this article is to evaluate the general and regional anaesthesia techniques in extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for treating inguinal hernias in an outpatient surgery unit. A prospective clinical study of 131 patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia undergoing surgery using extraperitoneal laparoscopy was completed. Two study groups were established according to the anaesthesia technique used: general (n = 90) and regional (n = 41). We analyzed clinical data (age, sex, associated diseases, prior abdominal surgery, site and hernia type), intra-operative complications (bleeding, peritoneal rupture, subcutaneous emphysema, reconversion rate, haemodynamic stability, respiratory problems and degree of satisfaction), postoperative complications (haematomas, urinary retention, post lumbar puncture headaches, nausea, vomiting and postoperative pain) and recurrence rate. General anaesthesia was used significantly more in the cases of prior infra-umbilical surgery and bilateral hernias (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were not shown for intra- or post-operative complications. The rate of conversion was higher for general (5.5%) than for regional anaesthesia (2.4%). Recurrence was detected only in the regional anaesthesia group. In conclusion, general anaesthesia is not required for the performance of extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair; regional anaesthesia is a safe and efficient alternative.     

髂嵴上方入路在腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术中的初步应用体会

目的:总结经髂嵴上方入路行腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术(totally extraperitoneal prosthesis,TEP)的手术经验,探讨其安全性、可行性、有效性及手术方法。方法:回顾分析2007年3月至2012年10月为16例腹股沟疝患者经髂嵴上方入路行腹腔镜TEP的临床资料,其中直疝3例次,斜疝13例次;双侧疝1例;复发疝3例。结果:16例手术均获成功,手术时间平均(60±20)min,术中出血量平均(15±10)ml,术中未发生肠管及膀胱损伤,术后2例发生血清肿,无术后尿潴留、腹股沟区疼痛及膀胱损伤发生。术后随访1～60个月,无一例复发。结论:经髂嵴上方入路行腹腔镜TEP符合解剖特点,手术安全、有效、可行,成功率高,适应证范围广,切口进一步隐匿化;但术者需具备较丰富的TEP手术经验,更重要的是腹膜前层面正确入路的建立。     

Regional anaesthesia in the outpatient treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias using totally extraperitoneal laparoscopy

The treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias using totally extraperitoneal laparoscopy is usually done with general anaesthesia. The objective of this article is to evaluate the regional anaesthesia technique in extraperitoneal laparoscopic surgery for treating bilateral inguinal hernias in an outpatient surgery unit. Prospective clinical study of 30 patients with uncomplicated bilateral inguinal hernia undergoing surgery using extraperitoneal laparoscopy. The anaesthesic technique used were spinal regional anaesthesia. We analysed clinical data (age, sex, associated diseases, prior abdominal surgery, site and hernia type), intra-operative complications (bleeding, peritoneal rupture, subcutaneous emphysema, reconversion rate, haemodynamic stability, respiratory problems and degree of satisfaction), postoperative complications (haematomas, urinary retention, post lumbar puncture headaches, nausea, vomiting and postoperative pain) and recurrence rate. All the patients undergoing surgery under-spinal anaesthesia in any case was necessary to reconvert it to general anaesthesia. In conclusion, regional anaesthesia is safe and efficient in an outpatient surgery unit in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias.     

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of bilateral inguinal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence rates associated with bilateral inguinal hernia repair with a giant prosthesis (Stoppa procedure) are low. Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair with a giant prosthesis combines the low recurrence rate of the Stoppa repair and the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate whether extraperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair could be performed by the minimally invasive, totally extraperitoneal approach. METHODS: From February 1993 to January 1998, 98 patients with bilateral inguinal hernias underwent surgery. A polypropylene 30 x 10 cm rectangular mesh or a 30 x 10/15 cm 'slipmesh' was used. Follow-up, including a physical examination, of 96 per cent of patients was performed. RESULTS: Median operative time was 60 min. Mostly minor intraoperative complications occurred. Conversion was required for two patients. Apart from one patient with a necrotic fasciitis who died from respiratory failure, only minor postoperative complications (10 per cent) occurred. Median hospital stay was 1 (range 1-21) days. Median recuperation time was 5 (range 1-22) days. Median follow-up (96 per cent) was 32 (range 7-57) months; there were six recurrences among 34 hernias in the group of 17 patients treated with 10 x 30 cm mesh and two (1 per cent) in the group that received 30 x 10/15 cm mesh (162 hernias in 81 patients). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic approach for the Stoppa procedure for bilateral inguinal hernia repair is a reliable method with minor complications. It ensures a short recuperation time and the recurrence rate is low owing to adequate overlap of the hernial defect when a 'slipmesh' is used.