TAPP or TEP? Population-Based Analysis of Prospective Data on 4,552 Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background

Whether total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) is associated with worse outcomes than transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) continues to be a matter of debate. The objective of this large cohort study is to compare outcomes between patients undergoing TEP or TAPP.

Methods

Based on prospective data of the Swiss association of laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery, all patients undergoing unilateral TEP or TAPP between 1995 and 2006 were included. The following outcomes were compared: conversion rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of operation.

Results

Data on 4,552 patients undergoing TEP (n?=?3,457) and TAPP (n?=?1,095) were collected prospectively. Average age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were similar in the two groups. Patients undergoing TEP had a significantly higher rate of intraoperative complications (TEP 1.9?% vs. TAPP 0.9?%, p?=?0.029) and surgical postoperative complications (TEP: 2.3?% vs. TAPP: 0.8?%, p?=?0.003). The postoperative length of stay was longer for patients undergoing TAPP (2.9 vs. 2.3?days, p?=?0.002), whereas the duration of the operation was longer for TEP (66.6 vs. 59.0?min, p?<?0.001) and the conversion rate was higher (TEP 1.0?% vs. TAPP 0.2?%, p?=?0.011).

Conclusions

This study is one of the first population-based analyses comparing TEP and TAPP in a prospective cohort of more than 4,500 patients. Intraoperative and surgical postoperative complications were significantly higher in patients undergoing TEP. TEP is also associated with longer operating times and higher conversion rates. Therefore, on a population-based level, the TAPP technique appears to be superior to the TEP repair in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair.     

Comparison of hospital costs and length of stay associated with open-mesh, totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, and transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: An analysis of observational data using propensity score matching

Background

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is increasingly seen as the superior technique in hernia repair. Compared to open-mesh hernia repair, laparoscopic approaches are often reported to be more cost-effective but incur higher costs for the provider. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of nonincarcerated inguinal hernias in men on hospital costs and length of stay (LoS).

Methods

We used routine administrative, highly standardized, patient-level cost data from 15 German hospitals participating in the national cost data study. We compared TEP, TAPP, and open-mesh repair. We conducted propensity score matching to account for baseline differences between treatment groups and subsequently estimated the treatment effect on costs and LoS.

Results

Total costs for both TEP and TAPP surgery were significantly lower than those for open-mesh repair (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). TEP repair also had a slight but nonsignificant advantage in total costs compared to TAPP repair, while TAPP surgery was associated with a significantly shorter LoS than TEP (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Results suggest that laparoscopic approaches in hernia repair are not necessarily associated with higher hospital resource consumption than open-mesh repair.     

TEP or TAPP for recurrent inguinal hernia repair—register-based comparison of the outcome

Introduction

The guidelines of the international hernia societies recommend laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair for recurrent hernias after open primary repair. To date, no randomized trials have been conducted to compare the TEP vs TAPP outcome for recurrent inguinal hernia repair. A Swiss registry study identified only minor differences between the two techniques, thus suggesting the equivalence of the two procedures.

Materials and Methods

Between September 1, 2009 and August 31, 2013 data were entered into the Herniamed Registry on a total of 2246 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia repair following previous open primary operation in either TAPP (n?=?1,464) or TEP technique (n?=?782).

Results

Univariable and multivariable analysis did not find any significant difference between TEP and TAPP with regard to the intraoperative complications, complication-related reoperations, re-recurrences, pain at rest, pain on exertion, or chronic pain requiring treatment. The only difference identified was a significantly higher postoperative seroma rate after TAPP, which was influenced by the surgical technique, previous open primary operation and EHS-classification medial and responded to conservative treatment.

Conclusion

TEP and TAPP are equivalent surgical techniques for recurrent inguinal hernia repair following previous open primary operation. The choice of technique should be tailored to the surgeon’s expertise.

     

The Incidence and Success of Treatment for Severe Chronic Groin Pain After Open, Transabdominal Preperitoneal, and Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair

Background

Chronic groin pain (CGP) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity after inguinal hernia repair. Open, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair are all commonly performed methods of herniorrhaphy. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of attendance at a chronic pain clinic (CPC) for CGP after open, TAPP or TEP repair.

Methods

A retrospective review of all inguinal hernia repairs between January 1997 and December 2006 identified patients attending the CPC for CGP post-herniorrhaphy. In this study CGP post-herniorrhaphy was defined as pain that limited daily activities despite simple analgesia thereby requiring referral to the specialist CPC following surgical review.

Results

A total of 8513 patients underwent 9607 inguinal hernia repairs; 6497 (75.5%) were open, 1916 (22.3%) were TAPP, and 198 (2.3%) were TEP. Of these, 46 (0.71%) open, 22 (1.15%) TAPP, and 6 (3.03%) TEP repairs required attendance at CPC. A statistically significant difference in frequency of CPC attendance following laparoscopic versus open (P = 0.008), TEP versus open (P ≤ 0.001), and TEP versus TAPP repair (P = 0.027) was observed. After an average of 1 year, 69% of patients were discharged symptom-free from the CPC. In 16%, CGP resolved prior to CPC attendance.

Conclusions

In contrast to previous reports, laparoscopic hernia repair is associated with a greater frequency of attendance at CPC than open repair, a finding that merits further investigation. Of those requiring treatment, the majority were discharged pain-free after an average of 1 year.     

Internal plug mesh without fixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias: a pilot study

Purpose

Mesh fixation is essential in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia; however, fixation sometimes causes post-operative pain. This study investigated a novel method of laparoscopic TEP repair without mesh fixation.

Methods

This study reviewed data from about two-hundred and forty-one laparoscopic TEP repairs on 219 patients, which were performed between December 2004 and October 2005.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence rate, seroma formation, and hospital stay. However, the mean operation time was shorter in the internal plug mesh group than the fixation group (p = 0.009), and post-operative pain only occurred in 4 cases in the internal plug mesh group in comparison to 29 cases in the mesh fixation group (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

An internal plug mesh without fixation might reduce post-operative pain after laparoscopic TEP repair of an inguinal hernia. Internal plug mesh without fixation may be an alternative method in laparoscopic TEP repair, especially for those involving indirect hernias.     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open tension-free repair of recurrent inguinal hernias: a prospective randomized study

Background The current prospective randomized controlled clinical study aimed to assess the short- and long-term results of recurrent inguinal hernia repair, and to compare the results for transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) procedures with those for open tension-free repair. Methods For this study, 82 patients were randomly assigned to undergo TAPP (group A, n = 24), TEP (group B, n = 26), or open Lichtenstein hernioplasty (group C, n = 32). All the patients with recurrent inguinal hernias had undergone previous repair using conventional open procedures. Physical examination showed Nyhus type II hernia in the vast majority of the patients (59%). High-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA] III or IV); coagulation disorders; previous abdominal or pelvic surgery; and irreducible, congenital, and massive scrotal or sliding hernias were excluded from the study. Results There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in operating time favoring the open procedure. The intensity of postoperative pain was greater in the open hernia repair group 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days after surgery (p = 0.001), with a greater consumption of pain medication among these patients (p < 0.004). The median time until return to work was 14 days for group A, 13 days for Group g, and 20 days for group C. The comparison was in favor of laparoscopically treated patients. Nine recurrences (4 in the laparoscopic groups and 5 in the open group) were documented within 3 years of follow-up evaluation. Conclusion Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP or TEP) is the method of choice for dealing with recurrent inguinal hernia.     

TAPP or TEP for Recurrent Inguinal Hernia? Population-Based Analysis of Prospective Data on 1309 Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Repair for Recurrent Inguinal Hernia

Background

Whether total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) is associated with worse outcomes compared to transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia continues to be a matter of debate. The objective of this large cohort study is to compare complications, conversion rates and postoperative length of hospital stay between patients undergoing TEP or TAPP for unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair.

Method

Based on prospective data of the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery, all patients who underwent elective TEP or TAPP for unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia between 1995 and 2006 were included. The following outcomes were compared: conversion rates, intraoperative complications, surgical postoperative complications and duration of operation.

Results

Data on 1309 patients undergoing TEP (n = 1022) and TAPP (n = 287) for recurrent inguinal hernia were prospectively collected. Average age, BMI and ASA score were similar in both groups. Patients undergoing TEP had a significantly increased rate of intraoperative complications (TEP 6.3 % vs. TAPP 2.8 %, p = 0.0225). Duration of operation was longer for patients undergoing TEP (TEP 80.3 vs. TAPP 73.0 min, p < 0.0023) while postoperative length of hospital stay was longer for patients undergoing TAPP (TEP 2.6 vs. TAPP 3.1 day, p = 0.0145). Surgical postoperative complications (TEP 3.52 % vs. TAPP 2.09 %, p = 0.2239), general postoperative complications (TEP 1.47 % vs. TAPP 0.7 %, p = 0.3081) and conversion rates (TEP 2.15 % vs. TAPP 1.39 %, p = 0.4155) were not significantly different.

Conclusion

This study is the first population-based analysis comparing outcomes of patients with recurrent inguinal hernia undergoing TEP versus TAPP in a prospective cohort of over 1300 patients. Intraoperative complications were significantly higher in patients undergoing TEP. The TEP technique was associated with longer operating times, but a shorter postoperative length of hospital stay. Nonetheless, the absolute outcome differences are small and thus, on a population-based level, both techniques appear to be safe and effective for patients undergoing endoscopic repair for unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia.

     

Which is the best laparoscopic approach for inguinal hernia repair: TEP or TAPP? A systematic review of the literature with a network meta-analysis

Background

Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair are the most used laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia treatment. However, many studies have shown that laparoscopic hernia repair compared with open hernia repair (OHR) may offer less pain and shorter convalescence. Few studies compared the clinical efficacy between TEP and TAPP technique. The purpose of this study is to provide a comparison between TEP and TAPP for inguinal hernia repair to show the best approach.

Methods

We performed an indirect comparison between TEP and TAPP techniques by considering only randomized, controlled trials comparing TEP with OHR and TAPP with OHR in a network meta-analysis. We considered the following outcomes: operative time, postoperative complications, hospital stay, postoperative pain, time to return to work, and recurrences.

Results

The two techniques improved some short outcomes (such as time to return to work) with respect to OHR. In the network meta-analysis, TEP and TAPP were equivalent for operative time, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, time to return to work, and recurrences, whereas TAPP was associated with a slightly longer hospital stay compared with TEP.

Conclusions

TEP and TAPP improved clinical outcomes compared with OHR, but the network meta-analysis showed that TEP and TAPP efficacy is equivalent. TAPP was associated with a slightly longer hospital stay compared with TEP.     

Endoscopic surgeons’ preferences for inguinal hernia repair: TEP, TAPP, or OPEN

Introduction

The use of endoscopic inguinal hernia repair has slowly increased in the past years, but the indications have remained vague. Some surgeons perform a tailored approach depending on patient or hernia characteristics, whereas others perform the same approach and technique for all hernias.

Methods

Based on these principles, a survey of 19 questions was conducted during the 18th Congress of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2010, to determine surgeons’ preference depending on the hernia and the patient.

Results

All surgeons who attended the session (N?=?100) responded to all questions. Eighty two percent of surgeons preferred a tailored approach, whereas 18?% used the same technique in all cases. Endoscopic techniques are used more frequently than the open approach in bilateral (7 vs. 93?%) and recurrent hernias (19 vs. 81?%), whereas in primary unilateral hernias all three techniques were used with almost similar frequency (32?% open, 39?% TAPP vs. 29?% TEP). TAPP was used more frequently than TEP, and even those surgeons who are expert in TEP preferred to perform a TAPP in difficult hernias, such as in obese patients and large scrotal hernias. Based on the age of patients, the open approach is preferred in patients younger than 18 years and older than 70 years, whereas the endoscopic approach is preferred in young active males and females, with a trend to use TAPP (44?%) more frequently than TEP (40?%) in females. Surgeons tended to use the open (vs. endoscopic) approach in patients with hematologic disorders (58?% open vs. 42?% endoscopic), previous laparotomy (59?% open vs. 41?% endoscopic) or emergency surgery (66 vs. 33?% in incarcerated hernias and 74 vs. 26?% in strangulated hernia).

Conclusions

This survey showed that most surgeons who perform an endoscopic approach for inguinal hernia as the first option are convinced that not all hernias are good indications for this approach. On the other hand, most surgeons think that it is better to be able to offer patients an endoscopic technique or an open approach depending on the case.     

Female ‘groin’ hernia: totally extraperitoneal (TEP) endoscopic repair seems the most appropriate treatment modality

Background

About 30% of all female ‘groin’ hernias are femoral hernias, although often only diagnosed during surgery. A Lichtenstein repair though, as preferred treatment modality according to guidelines, would not diagnose and treat femoral hernias. Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair, however, offers the advantage of being an appropriate modality for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of both inguinal and femoral hernias. TEP therefore seems an appealing surgical technique for women with groin hernias.

Methods

This study included all female patients ≥18?years operated for a groin hernia between 2005 and 2009.

Results

A total of 183 groin hernias were repaired in 164 women. TEP was performed in 85% of women; the other 24 women underwent an open anterior (mesh) repair. Peroperatively, femoral hernias were observed in 23% of patients with primary hernias and 35% of patients with recurrent hernias. There were 30 cases (18.3%) of an incorrect preoperative diagnosis. Peroperatively, femoral hernias were observed in 17.3% of women who were diagnosed with an inguinal hernia before surgery. In addition, inguinal hernias were found in 24.0% of women who were diagnosed with a femoral hernia preoperatively. After a follow-up of 25?months, moderate to severe (VAS 4-10) postoperative pain was reported by 8 of 125 patients (6.4%) after TEP and 5 of 23 patients (21.7%) after open hernia repair (P?=?0.03). Five patients had a recurrent hernia, two following TEP (1.4%) and three following open anterior repair (12.5%, P?=?0.02). Two of these three patients presented with a femoral recurrence after a previous repair of an inguinal hernia.

Conclusion

Femoral hernias are common in women with groin hernias, but not always detected preoperatively; this argues for the use of a preperitoneal approach. TEP hernia repair combines the advantage of a peroperative diagnosis and subsequent appropriate treatment with the known good clinical outcomes.     

Laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Background

This study aimed to compare laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with conventional laparoscopic TEP repair for the treatment of inguinal hernias. To date, no other studies have compared the LESS and conventional laparoscopic TEP approaches for the treatment of inguinal hernia in a prospective randomized study setting.

Methods

For this study, 100 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair were prospectively randomized into either the LESS TEP group or the conventional laparoscopic TEP group. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors were recorded. The primary end point was postoperative pain. The patients were interviewed at outpatient clinics at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The demographic data were comparable between the two groups. The median operative time was longer in the LESS TEP group (63.5 min) than in the conventional TEP group (50.5 min) (p = 0.001). No conversion was performed in either group. The mean pain score 2 h postoperatively during rest was significantly higher in the conventional TEP group than in the LESS TEP group (3.9 vs. 2.6; p = 0.02). The postoperative results were comparable between the groups in terms of analgesic requirements, systemic stress responses, complications, and postoperative convalescence.

Conclusions

The LESS TEP technique is associated with a longer operative time but offers the minor benefit of a reduction in immediate postoperative pain.     

Unsuspected femoral hernia in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of recurrent inguinal hernia

Purpose

Small femoral hernias may be difficult to diagnose by physical examination and are sometimes identified unexpectedly by laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of unsuspected femoral hernia discovered during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in two well-defined patient groups.

Methods

Patients undergoing laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair from April 2000 until December 2009 (n?=?561) were prospectively registered including data on previous hernia operations and identified type of hernia during surgery. We included patients whose preoperative diagnosis was either bilateral primary inguinal hernia (Primary Group) or recurrent inguinal hernia (Recurrent Group).

Results

Four hundred and sixty-one (82.2?%) patients were included in the study, of whom 211 (45.8?%) was in the Primary Group and 250 (54.2?%) in the Recurrent Group. The incidence of unsuspected femoral hernia in the Recurrent Group [23/250, 9.2?% (95?% CI 5.9–13.5?%)] was significantly higher than in the Primary Group [8/211, 3.8?% (95?% CI 1.7–7.3?%)], p?=?0.02. Furthermore, 38.1?% of women operated on for a recurrent inguinal hernia, presented with an unsuspected femoral hernia at surgery as opposed to 6.6?% of the men, p?=?0.003.

Conclusion

Unsuspected femoral hernias are more prevalent in patients with recurrent hernia than in patients with primary hernia in the inguinal region. Femoral hernias may be unrecognized at the primary inguinal hernia operation, or the previous inguinal hernia operation may facilitate the formation of a femoral hernia. Unsuspected femoral hernias are especially frequent in women with recurrent inguinal hernia. In women with a groin hernia, a femoral hernia should always be excluded by laparoscopy or by open exploration of the preperitoneal space.     

Total endoskopische präperitoneale Netzplastik bei primären und Rezidivleistenhernien Gibt es Unterschiede?

INTRODUCTION: Since 1994 we perform laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) for primary and recurrent inguinal hernias at our institution. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the results of TEP in primary inguinal hernias and recurrent inguinal hernias and to determine whether there are differences in patient data, complication rates and outcome between these two groups. METHODS: In a prospective trial 338 patients were analyzed who underwent 500 laparoscopic TEP repairs. In all, 431 TEP repairs were performed for primary inguinal hernias, and 69 for recurrent inguinal hernias. For data acquisition the SALTC study protocol was used. All patients were clinically examined 3 and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 67.3 min for TEP repair of primary hernias and 68.1 min for TEP repair of recurrent hernias, respectively. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 0%. Conversion from TEP into TAPP was required in 0.5% of patients with primary inguinal hernias and 1.4% of patients with recurrent inguinal hernias. As the sole difference between the two groups the intraoperative complication rate could be identified. In the TEP repair group of recurrent inguinal hernias a higher incidence of injury to the peritoneum and a higher occurrence of bleeding from the epigastric vessels was found (P = 0.03). The postoperative complication rate was identical in the two groups, amounting to 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively. No differences were found in the 1 year follow-up between the two groups. The 1-year recurrence rate was 0.5% for primary hernias. However, in the group of recurrent hernias there have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: The use of laparoscopic TEP repair has proven to be a safe and effective treatment in patients with primary and recurrent inguinal hernias. Because of scar tissue with possible adhesions a higher intraoperative complication rate was observed in the TEP repair of recurrent hernias than in TEP repair of primary inguinal hernias. However, no single recurrence was observed in the TEP repair group of recurrent hernias. In our opinion TEP is the optimal hernia repair for recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernias.     

Comparison of open and laparoscopic preperitoneal repair of groin hernia

Background

Compared with laparoscopic groin herniorrhaphy, the open procedure used in most former studies was Lichtenstein repair. However, unlike the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) or transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic techniques, Lichtenstein procedure is a premuscular but not preperitoneal repair. This retrospective study compared the outcomes between laparoscopic preperitoneal and open preperitoneal procedure—modified Kugel (MK) herniorrhaphy.

Methods

Groin hernia patients older than 18 years who underwent open MK or laparoscopic preperitoneal herniorrhaphy in our hospitals between January 2008 and December 2010 were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, recurrence, and intraoperative, short-term, and long-term postoperative complications were recorded.

Results

Among the 1,760 included patients (530 open and 1,230 laparoscopic), 96.08 % completed the follow-up (24–60 months). The patients in the open group were older than laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). More bilateral (91.45 %) and recurrent (82.12 %) hernia patients underwent laparoscopic procedures (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The overall recurrence rate was 0.71 %, with no significant difference between the two approaches (p = 0.227). The overall complication rate was lower for the laparoscopic than the open approach (14.47 vs. 19.25 %, p = 0.012), whereas the rates of life-threatening complications were similar (1.51 vs. 0.98 %, p = 0.332). The laparoscopic group had significantly lower incidence rates of wound infection and chronic pain (p = 0.016 and p < 0.001, respectively), shorter operative time, lower visual analogue scale scores, and faster recovery than the open group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

As preperitoneal herniorrhaphy, both MK and laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP) procedures are safe and effective, with low incidence rates of life-threatening complications and recurrence. The laparoscopic approach is superior in terms of lower incidence rates of infection and chronic pain, shorter operative time, and faster recovery; however, careful surgical procedure selection and implementation of technical details are required.     

Repeated laparoscopic treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias after previous posterior repair

Background

The reported recurrence rates after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair are 0–4 %. It is unclear which technique could best be offered to a patient with a recurrent hernia after a previous posterior repair. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and reliability of a repeated laparoscopic repair (TAPP) for a recurrent hernia after a previous posterior inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

The study group contains 2,594 consecutive transabdominal inguinal hernia repairs (TAPP). Of these, 53 repairs were attempted in 51 patients for recurrent hernias after a previous posterior repair. During the follow-up period, patients were examined for recurrences and for presence of a port-site hernia. Pain was scored by the visual analogue pain scale (VAS).

Results

Fifty-one patients underwent a TAPP repair for a recurrent inguinal hernia after previous posterior hernia repair. Two patients presented a bilateral recurrent inguinal hernia. In two thirds of the patients, the recurrence was located caudally or medially from the previously placed mesh. Two attempted repairs had to be converted to an open technique due to severe adhesions. One intraoperative complication was encountered when the vas deferens was ligated during surgery due to adhesions of the previous placed mesh. Nine patients encountered an adverse event postoperatively, but none of them were serious events. No mesh infections were reported. The mean follow-up was 70 (range, 1–198) months. At follow-up, no recurrences were found at physical examination. Four patients developed a port-site hernia. Four patients had complaints of postoperative pain and were restricted in daily activities due to groin pain. The mean VAS score (scale 0–100), including the four patients with persistent pain, was 5.7 (range, 0–61).

Conclusions

It is concluded that repeated laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) is a definite repair for recurrent inguinal hernias. The procedure is feasible, safe, and reliable.     

Inguinal hernia repair in women: is the laparoscopic approach superior?

Purpose

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is associated with reduced post-operative pain and earlier return to work in men. However, the role of laparoscopic hernia repair in women is not well reported. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of the laparoscopic versus open repair of inguinal hernias in women and to discuss patients’ considerations when choosing the approach.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all consecutive patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair from January 2005 to December 2009 at a single institution was conducted. Presentation characteristics and outcome measures including recurrence rates, post-operative pain and complications were compared in women undergoing laparoscopic versus open hernia repair.

Results

A total of 1,133 patients had an inguinal herniorrhaphy. Of these, 101 patients were female (9 %), with a total of 111 hernias. A laparoscopic approach was chosen in 44 % of patients. The majority of women (56 %) presented with groin pain as the primary symptom. Neither the mode of presentation nor the presenting symptoms significantly influenced the surgical approach. There were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence, post-operative neuralgia, seroma/hematoma formation or urinary retention between the two approaches (p < 0.05). A greater proportion of patients with bilateral hernias had a laparoscopic approach rather than an open technique (12 vs. 2 %, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy is as safe and efficacious as open repair in women, and should be considered when the diagnosis is in question, for management of bilateral hernias or when concomitant abdominal pathology is being addressed.     

Conversion to Stoppa Procedure in Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

Conversion to open surgery is an important problem, especially during the learning curve of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair.

Methods:

Here, we discuss conversion to the Stoppa procedure during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair. Outcomes of patients who underwent conversion to an open approach during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair between September 2004 and May 2010 were evaluated.

Results:

In total, 259 consecutive patients with 281 inguinal hernias underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair. Thirty-one hernia repairs (11%) were converted to open conventional surgical procedures. Twenty-eight of 31 laparoscopic TEP hernia repairs were converted to modified Stoppa procedures, because of technical difficulties. Three of these patients underwent Lichtenstein hernia repairs, because they had undergone previous surgeries.

Conclusion:

Stoppa is an easy and successful procedure used to solve problems during TEP hernia repair. The Lichtenstein procedure may be a suitable option in patients who have undergone previous operations, such as a radical prostatectomy.     

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent groin hernia: results of a prospective study

Background  Recurrences continue to be seen after repair of inguinal hernias. The repair of these recurrent hernias is a more complex and demanding procedure, with a high re-recurrence rate. Definite advantage has been demonstrated with endoscopic repair of these hernias. Methods  The results for this prospective study from January 2003 to December 2006 were evaluated after laparoscopic repair of 65 recurrent hernias in 61 patients. The patients were followed up for 1 year. Longer follow-up evaluation was performed for the patients who underwent surgery in the initial 3 years. Results  In this study, 37 recurrent hernias were managed using the transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP) technique and 28 using the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique. There was no conversion and no cases of postoperative wound infection. Of the 12 metachronous hernias repaired simultaneously, 3 were occult. Seroma developed in five patients. At a follow-up assessment after 1 year, one patient had groin pain, and there was one re-recurrence. A longer follow-up period with a mean of 35.11 months failed to show any new re-recurrence. Conclusions  Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is safe and effective. The morbidity and recurrence rates for the procedure are as low as for laparoscopic repair of primary hernias. Laparoscopic repair should be the gold standard for these hernias.     

Incidental Non-Inguinals Hernias in Totally Extra-Peritoneal Hernia Repair

Introduction

Totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair allows identification and repair of incidental non-inguinal groin hernias. We assessed the prevalence of incidental hernias during TEP inguinal hernia repair and identified the risk factors for incidental hernias.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TEP repair from May 2005 to November 2012 were the study cohort. Inspection for ipsilateral femoral, obturator and rarer varieties of hernia was undertaken during TEP repair. Patient characteristics and operative findings were recorded on a prospectively collected database.

Results

A total of 1,532 TEP repairs were undertaken in 1,196 patients. Ninety-three patients were excluded due to incomplete data, leaving 1,103 patients and 1,404 hernias for analyses (1,380 male; 802 unilateral and 301 bilateral repairs; median age, 59 years). Among the 37 incidental hernias identified (2.6% of cases), the most common type of incidental hernia was femoral (n=32, 2.3%) followed by obturator (n=2, 0.1%). Increasing age was associated with an increased risk of incidental hernia, with a significant linear trend (p<0.01). The risk for patients >60 years of age was 4.0% vs 1.4% for those aged <60 years (p<0.01). Incidental hernias were found in 29.2% of females vs 2.2% of males, (p<0.0001). Risk of incidental hernia in those with a recurrent inguinal hernia was 3.0% vs 2.6% for primary repair (p=0.79).

Conclusions

Incidental hernias during TEP inguinal hernia repair were found in 2.6% of cases and, though infrequent, could cause complications if left untreated. The risk of incidental hernia increased with age and was significantly higher in patients aged >60 years and in females.