La relación entre hernia inguinal y cirugía mínimamente invasiva para el cáncer de próstata: revisión sistemática de la literatura

ObjectiveWe aimed to perform a systematic review about the relationship between inguinal hernia and surgery for prostate cancer.BackgroundDiagnosis of abdominal wall defects and prostate cancer may be either synchronous or metachronous. The convenience and safety of combined prostatectomy and hernioplasty, the incidence of hernias after prostatectomy and the feasibility of prostatectomy in patients with previous laparoscopic hernioplasty are still debated.MethodsPubMed and Embase were queried by dedicated search strings. Two researchers independently reviewed the pooled references and selected the articles of interest, including reviews.ResultsSixty-five studies were evaluated, 22 of them analysed the feasibility and the outcomes of a combined surgery, namely one-stage radical prostatectomy and herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty. Literature evidences support the combined intervention to patients suffering from an inguinal hernia and a prostate cancer amenable of radical prostatectomy. Sixteen studies addressing the potential increase in the occurrence of inguinal hernia after radical prostatectomy were evaluated. Approximately 15% of patients who undergo retro-pubic radical prostatectomy will develop inguinal hernia. It is suggested that the incidence might be lower in laparoscopic prostatectomy series, particularly in case of transperitoneal approach. The median time to the appearance of the hernia is around 6 months. After evaluation of 14 studies, it is concluded that laparoscopic hernioplasty does not preclude prostatectomy but hinders further pelvic surgery.ConclusionsOne-stage combined hernioplasty and radical prostatectomy may be accepted except in cases of lymph-nodes dissection and/or positive hydro-distress test of the urethro-vesical anastomosis. Accurate patient's counselling and dedicated consent form are mandatory, in the setting of an experienced multidisciplinary team.     

Simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernias: a prospective, randomized study of open, tension-free versus laparoscopic approach

No randomized trial exists that specifically addresses the issue of laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair. The purpose of the present prospective, randomized, controlled, clinical study was to assess short- and long-term results when comparing simultaneous bilateral hernia repair by an open, tension-free anterior approach with laparoscopic "bikini mesh" posterior repair. Forty-three low-risk male patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernia were randomly assigned to undergo either laparoscopic preperitoneal "bikini mesh" hernia repair (TAPP) or open Lichtenstein hernioplasty. There was no difference in operating time between the two groups. The mean cost of laparoscopic hernioplasty was higher (P < 0.001). The intensity of postoperative pain was greater in the open hernia repair group at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.001), with a greater consumption of pain medication among these patients (P < 0.05). The median time to return to work was 30 days for the open hernia repair group and 16 days for the laparoscopic "bikini mesh" repair group (P < 0.05). Only 1 asymptomatic recurrence (4.3%) was discovered in the open group. The laparoscopic approach to bilateral hernia with "bikini mesh" appears to be preferable to the open Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty in terms of the postoperative quality of life and interruption of occupational activity.     

Inguinal hernia repair protects testicular function: a prospective study of open and laparoscopic herniorraphy

BACKGROUND: Despite the frequency of open and laparoscopic herniorraphy the effect of the hernia and subsequent repair on testicular function is unknown. Our objective was to determine if there is an association between inguinal hernia and hernia repair on testicular function. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven men aged 18 to 70 years were enrolled in a prospective internally controlled cohort study. They underwent Doppler ultrasonography and serum testicular hormone analysis pre- and post- either open Lichtenstein's repair or laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty. These surrogates of testicular function were measured up to 6 months postrepair. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients underwent either Lichtenstein (n = 17) or totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (n = 20) hernia repair as per surgeon preference. Preoperatively there was a significant elevation in the sonographic resistive index (RI) in the affected (hernia) side compared with the normal side (0.601, 0.569; p < 0.001). This elevation in RI was reversed posthernia repair at a median followup of 6.1 months. Inguinal hernia or repair did not affect testicular volume. The choice of either Lichtenstein or totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty hernia did not significantly alter the testicular function. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with inguinal hernia have an elevated testicular vascular resistance, which is reversed after repair. The choice of laparoscopic or open herniorraphy did not affect reversal of this surrogate of testicular function.     

Chronic inguinal pain after laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair for inguinal hernia treated successfully with laparoscopic selective neurectomy: A case report

IntroductionLaparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair is occasionally used for inguinal hernia repair. Here, we report a case of chronic neuropathic pain after laparoscopic IPOM repair for inguinal hernia, which was treated successfully with laparoscopic selective neurectomy.Presentation of caseA 59-year-old man with bilateral inguinal hernia underwent laparoscopic repair. Transabdominal preperitoneal repair was performed on the left side, whereas IPOM repair was performed on the right side due to a peritoneal defect. At postoperative month 1, he presented with severe pain and numbness distributed from the right inguinal region to the inner thigh region. The symptoms had persisted for 1 year despite medical treatment. We diagnosed that the symptoms might be due to the entrapment of nerves in the contracted mesh, and performed a second surgery via laparoscopic approach 13 months after the first surgery. On laparoscopic exploration, the lateral side of the mesh was contracted and involved nerve branches. We ligated and cut off these nerve branches. His symptoms resolved immediately after the surgery. At postoperative month 12, he has passed without any pain, numbness, and hernia recurrence.DiscussionLaparoscopic exploration would be useful to figure out chronic neuropathic pain after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.ConclusionLaparoscopic IPOM repair for inguinal hernia should be avoided as much as possible because it may cause chronic neuropathic pain. Laparoscopic selective neurectomy is an option for patients with chronic neuropathic pain after laparoscopic hernia repair.     

A minimally invasive treatment of an asymptomatic case of mesh erosion into the caecum after total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Background: Mesh migration and erosion into adjacent viscera is a rare complication after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We present a minimally invasive treatment of an asymptomatic case of mesh erosion into the caecum after total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, including an overview of the relevant recent literature.

Methods: A male patient underwent a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair at the age of 42. Two years after this procedure, a screening colonoscopy revealed erosion of the mesh into the caecum. A laparoscopy was performed with partial resection of the mesh and minimal resection of the involved colon. Results of a systematic review of English PubMed articles on mesh migration and erosion after inguinal hernia repair is presented.

Results: We report a first-time minimally invasive treatment of mesh erosion into the colon. A laparoscopic approach is feasible and provides an excellent exposure. Partial removal of the mesh is suggested in uncomplicated cases to avoid complications associated with complete mesh removal.     

四种手术方法治疗巨大小儿疝的临床对比分析(附412例报告)

目的 探讨不同腹腔镜方法 治疗巨大小儿疝的疗效.方法 2007年5月至2009年8月我院对412例巨大小儿疝随机分成4组进行腹腔镜修补,主要通过术后复发率来比较疗效.A组:单纯疝囊高位结扎(147例);B组:疝囊高位结扎并用脐内侧韧带覆盖内环口(94例);C组:双重结扎内环口(82例);D组:疝囊高位结扎同时将髂耻束与弓状缘缝合缩窄内环(89例).结果 患者均随访2～4年,A组复发3例,分别于术后6、7、9个月;B组术后1年复发1例;C组及D组均无复发患者.A、B组与C、D组的复发率比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 对于巨大小儿疝腹腔镜单纯高位结扎疝囊是不可靠的,腹腔镜下修补是有必要的,而且将髂耻束与弓状缘缝合缩窄内环作修补的方法 更可靠.     

Umbilical hernia in adults

Background: There is no consensus on the best technique for the repair of umbilical hernia in adults. The role of laparoscopic hernioplasty of umbilical hernia remains controversial. This study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of open and laparoscopic onlay patch repair of umbilical hernia in adults. Methods: From January 1996 to December 2002, 102 patients underwent elective repair of umbilical hernia. Operative techniques included Mayo repair (n = 43), laparoscopic onlay Gore-Tex patch hernioplasty (n = 26), suture herniorrhaphy (n = 24), and mesh hernioplasty (n = 9). Results: Demographic features and risk factors were similar among the four groups. The operative time of laparoscopic hernioplasty (median, 66 min) was significantly longer than those for patients who underwent Mayo repair (60 min) or sutured herniorrhaphy (50 min) (p < 0.05). None of the patients who underwent laparoscopic patch repairs required conversion to open repair. The median pain score at rest on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoscopic repair compared to those who had Mayo repair. A significantly shorter hospital stay and a lower wound morbidity rate were also observed in patients who underwent laparoscopic repair. With a mean follow-up of 2 years, suture herniorrhaphy had a relatively high recurrence rate (8.7%), whereas no recurrence was documented for the other techniques. Conclusions: Laparoscopic onlay patch hernioplasty is a safe and efficacious technique for the repair of umbilical hernia. Compared to Mayo repair, the laparoscopic approach confers the advantages of reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and a diminished morbidity rate.     

Lichtenstein术后复发性腹股沟疝的腔镜治疗

目的：评价腹腔镜下经腹腹膜前入路（TAPP）治疗Lichtenstein术后复发性腹股沟疝的临床效果。 方法：回顾性分析2009年5月—2014年3月间中南大学湘雅医院行腹腔镜下TAPP治疗的12例Lichtenstein术后复发疝患者临床资料。 结果：全组均顺利完成腹腔镜手术,无1例中转开放手术。平均手术时间为（110±25）min,术后2例发生血清肿,经穿刺抽液治愈。术后均于48 h内痊愈出院,随访至目前无1例再复发。 结论：腹腔镜下TAPP是治疗Lichtenstein术后复发性腹股沟疝安全有效的方法。

     

Laparoscopic versus open repair of inguinal hernia: a longitudinal cohort study

Background

Traditionally, repair of an inguinal hernia has been by an open method, but laparoscopic techniques have recently been introduced and are increasing in popularity. This study aimed to compare early and late outcomes following laparoscopic and open repair of inguinal hernia.

Methods

We performed an analysis of inpatient Hospital Episode Statistics. Early-outcome criteria studied include in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, complications (infection, bleeding, injury to an organ, and urinary retention), and readmission. Late outcome was assessed by the need for a further inguinal hernia repair on the same side.

Results

Between April 2002 and April 2004 there were 125,342 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair and were included in the analysis. They were followed until April 2009. There were no differences in postoperative stay between the laparoscopic and open groups except for the laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair patients who had a shorter stay than the open group. Infection and bleeding were more common following open repair, whilst urinary retention and injury to an organ were more frequent after laparoscopic repair. Reoperation for another inguinal hernia was more common after laparoscopic (4.0 %) than after open repair of primary inguinal hernia (2.1 %), mostly in the first year after surgery. There was no difference in reoperation rate following repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia. Consultant caseload was strongly inversely correlated with reoperation following laparoscopic but not open repair of primary inguinal hernia.

Conclusions

Reoperation is more common after laparoscopic than after open repair of primary but not recurrent inguinal hernia. Surgeons with a low laparoscopic hernia repair caseload have an increased reoperation rate following laparoscopic repair of primary inguinal hernia. The increase in reoperation rate following laparoscopic repair is seen in the first year or two following the initial surgery.     

3D腹腔镜补片免固定腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术25例

目的总结3D腹腔镜补片免固定腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术的临床应用体会和经验。方法对我院2010年7月至2011年6月间25例应用3D腹腔镜补片行免固定腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术的临床资料回顾性分析。结果25例经腹腹膜前补片植入术（transabdominal preperitoneal,TAPP）均获成功,无中转开放手术。单侧疝手术时间40～105min,双侧疝手术时间90—145min,术后2—6d出院。术后发生阴囊血清肿1例,1例有轻度疼痛。随访3～11个月,无复发病例。结论3D腹腔镜补片免固定腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术效果安全可靠,操作更为简便易行,并发症发生率低。     

Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty versus open extraperitoneal approach for inguinal hernia repair: A meta-analysis of outcomes of our current knowledge

BackgroundThe aim of this article is to explore the clinical effects between open extraperitoneal approaches and totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty (TEP) in the repair of inguinal hernias.MethodsThe electronic databases Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Web of science and the Cochrane Library were used to search for articles from January 1992 to March 2013. The present meta-analysis pooled the effects of outcomes of a total of 1157 patients with 1377 hernias enrolled into 10 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative studies. The data was analyzed using the statistic software Stata12.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 19.ResultsSignificant advantages of totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty (TEP) compared to the open extraperitoneal approach include a lower incidence of total postoperative complications (Odds Ratio, 0.544; 95% confidence interval, 0.369–0.803), a reduction in urinary problems (0.206[0.064,0.665]), an earlier return to normal activities or work (SMD = ?1.798[?3.322,?0.275]), and a shorter length of hospital stay (?1.995 [?2.358,?1.632]). No difference was found in operative time, the incidence of hernia recurrence, chronic pain, intraoperative complications, seromas or hematomas, wound infection and testicular problems between the two techniques. One significant advantage for the open extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair was a lower incidence of peritoneal tears (46.504 [15.399,140.437]).ConclusionsTotally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty (TEP) and open extraperitoneal mesh repair are equivalent in most of the analyzed outcomes. TEP is associated with shorter hospital stay, quicker return to normal activities or work, lower incidence of total postoperative complications and urinary problems, while the open extraperitoneal method has less incidence of peritoneal tears.     

The impact of atraumatic fibrin sealant vs. staple mesh fixation in TAPP hernia repair on chronic pain and quality of life: results of a randomized controlled study

Background  

Mesh reinforcement has become the standard of care in the open and laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia. Chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair is often due to nerve injury by penetrating mesh fixation devices such as staples (ST), tacks, or sutures. In several studies on hernioplasty, atraumatic mesh fixation with fibrin sealant (FS) proved to be efficient in terms of fixation strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, most of these studies did not provide a standardized follow-up and assessment of the development of chronic pain (CP) and the quality of life (QoL). Therefore, a randomized controlled trial comparing CP and QoL after FS fixation of mesh with ST in transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty (TAPP) was performed at our department. The primary end point of our study was to assess the patient outcome by using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the short form 36 (SF-36). The evaluation of recurrence rates was the secondary aim.     

Recurrences after conventional anterior and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a randomized comparison

OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term recurrence rate and other complications after conventional and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Reliable long-term follow-up of patients with inguinal hernias treated by laparoscopic repair techniques is lacking. METHODS: The authors performed a randomized, multicenter trial in which 487 patients with inguinal hernia were treated by totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair and 507 patients were treated by conventional anterior hernia repair. Patients were followed and examined for recurrence and chronic inguinal pain 2, 3, and 5 years after surgery. Risk factors for recurrence and chronic inguinal pain were assessed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent conventional repair had a high risk for recurrence compared to patients who underwent laparoscopic repair. Risk factors for recurrence were operative time and type of conventional repair. Predictive independent risk factors for chronic inguinal pain were conventional repair (Bassini repairs and non-bassini repairs), inguinal pain before surgery, and perioperative lesion of the ilioinguinal nerve. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with inguinal hernia who undergo laparoscopic repair have fewer recurrences and less chronic inguinal pain than those who undergo conventional open repair. The Bassini repair produces unacceptably high recurrence rates.     

Hybrid Laparoscopic and Anterior Approach for Postsurgical Inguinal Hernia After Iliofemoral Arterial Bypass

Laparoscopic hernia repair has become popular due to its rapid recovery time, fewer postoperative complications, and less chronic pain compared with conventional approaches. Currently, laparoscopic hernia repair is also used for more complex pathogenesis, including extra-anatomic bypass surgery for femoral artery. To the best of our knowledge, cases of inguinal hernia after femoral arterial bypass are extremely rare. We report the case of a 77-year-old Japanese man who was diagnosed with inguinal hernia after a previous left external iliac artery–right common femoral artery bypass. We used a hybrid laparoscopic and anterior approach, and the procedure was completed successfully without perioperative complications. A laparoscopic approach is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernia after extra-anatomic bypass surgery for femoral artery. While complicated, the addition of anterior reinforcement should be considered in cases of insufficient preperitoneal repair using transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty.Key words: Laparoscopic surgery, Inguinal hernia, Hernia repair, Arterial bypass, Femoral arteryInguinal hernia is a common medical condition and its repair is one of the most common elective operations in general surgery. Regarding surgical repair, tension-free techniques such as the Lichtenstein method, are widely accepted, and have led to a decreased recurrence rate.¹ Furthermore, laparoscopic hernia repair has also become popular due to its rapid recovery, fewer postoperative complications, and less chronic pain compared with conventional approaches, with similar recurrence rates.^2,3 Currently, various procedures have been developed and their usefulness has been widely reported. Accordingly, hernia repair is also used for more complex pathogenesis such as laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair after radical prostatectomy.⁴ Interestingly, even if there is a preperitoneal surgical history, laparoscopic hernioplasty can be safely performed.Extra-anatomic bypass surgery for femoral artery is also a difficult situation from the viewpoint of surgical modification to the groin area. To the best of our knowledge, reports of inguinal hernia after femoral arterial bypass are limited,⁵ and a systematic study has not been performed and a recommended procedure has not been established. Hence, we report a case of inguinal hernia that developed after iliofemoral artery bypass, and our subsequent hybrid laparoscopic and anterior approach.     

Tension-Free Hernioplasty Versus Conventional Hernioplasty for Inguinal Hernia Repair

Purpose To show the effectiveness of tension-free hernioplasty for inguinal hernia repair. Methods We studied 106 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, as conventional hernioplasty in 52 and as tension-free hernioplasty in 54. We analyzed the operation time, postoperative complications, pain, time to resume daily activities, and frequency of recurrence in the short and long term. Results The average age of the patients was 46.2 years. The operation time was significantly shorter in the tension-free group than in the conventional group, at 33 ± 11.1 versus 49 ± 8.8 min, respectively (P < 0.05). The overall complication rate was 10%, being 1.5% in the tension-free group and 13% in the conventional group (P = 0.4). The visual-analogue pain scores after surgery were lower in the tension-free group than in the conventional group (P = 0.01). Patients in the tension-free group returned to their normal activities sooner than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Tension-free hernioplasty resulted in less pain and allowed patients to return to their daily activities sooner than conventional hernioplasty.     

Day-case endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty versus open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males

Background Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) is an accepted technique for the repair of recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernia, but its role in the management of unilateral primary inguinal hernia remains controversial. The current randomized trial was undertaken to compare the postoperative and 1-year outcomes of day-case TEP and open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males. Methods From January 2002 to January 2004, a total of 200 male patients were randomized to undergo either day-case unilateral TEP or open Lichtenstein hernioplasty under general anesthesia. The primary outcome measures included postoperative pain score, time until return to work, incidence of chronic groin pain, and recurrence rate 1 year after the operation. Results All TEP procedures were successfully performed without conversion. The mean operation time for TEP (50±13.2 min) was significantly shorter than for open Lichtenstein hernioplasty (58 ± 17.6 min) (p < 0.001). The pain score at rest was significantly lower in the TEP group than in the open group on postoperative days 0, 1, 4, 5, and 6. On the average, the patients returned to work 8.6 days after TEP and 14 days after Lichtenstein hernioplasty (p = 0.006). Postoperative recovery and morbidity rates were otherwise comparable between the two groups. The incidence of chronic groin pain 1 year after TEP (9.9%) was significantly lower than after open surgery (21.7%) (p = 0.032). None of the patients in either group showed recurrence at the last follow-up assessment. Conclusions Day-case TEP was superior to open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for the repair of unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males. The benefits of day-case TEP included less postoperative pain, a faster return to work, and a lower incidence of chronic groin pain.     

Laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal hernia repair for bilateral Spigelian hernias and coincident inguinal hernia: A case report

IntroductionSpigelian hernia (SH) is a rare ventral hernia occurring near the lateral border of the rectus muscle. The treatment remains controversial and depends on institutional expertise. Although laparoscopic surgery is a good adaptation for the repair of ventral hernias, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair for bilateral SHs.Presentation of caseA 74-year-old Japanese man presented with asymptomatic bulges in the right lower abdominal quadrant. On physical examination, the bulges were located to the right of the lateral border of the abdominal rectus muscle and the right inguinal region in an upright position. We diagnosed right SH and coincident homonymous ipsilateral inguinal hernia (IH) by abdominal computed tomography and planned a curative operation by laparoscopy. By first laparoscopic exploration, we found an asymptomatic SH to the left of the lateral border of the abdominal rectus muscle and performed TEP repair for all hernias. The second laparoscopic exploration after fixing the mesh in place revealed that the orifice of the right SH was scarred and stiffened by repeated prolapse. We finally eliminated the sac by ligation because of a fear causing of reduction en masse of the SH.Discussion and conclusionThe use of laparoscopy simplified the diagnosis and facilitates the subsequent repair of the hernia. TEP approach is the ideal treatment for the simultaneous laparoscopic repair of SH and IH.     

Comparison of the open tension-free mesh-plug, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP), and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic techniques for primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background  

The open tension-free mesh-plug hernia technique, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique, and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic technique all are common surgical procedures for primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair. However, the choice of the right surgical procedure still is controversial in China. This study aimed to compare open tension-free hernioplasty with two laparoscopic hernia repairs.     

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.     

Percutaneous endoscopic external ring (PEER) hernioplasty

This pilot study was conducted to determine if percutaneous endoscopic external ring (PEER) hernioplasty would be a viable alternative to the conventional and laparoscopic methods of tension-free repair. The procedure consists of (1) a 2.0–2.5-cm incision over the external inguinal ring to reach the emerging spermatic cord structures, and ligation and excision of the hernia sac and (2) insertion of an endoscope-attached retractor through the external ring, into the inguinal canal for visualization, dissection of posterior inguinal wall, and placement of mesh to complete tension-free repair. PEER hernioplasty was used to treat 48 patients with 60 primary hernias (bilateral in 12 patients) between January 1993 and December 1994. Median follow-up was 12 months and ranged from 5 to 22 months. All patients were discharged within 24 h after surgery except for one. All patients resumed their normal activity within 2–3 weeks. Only three complications were encountered (two scrotal hematomas and one inguinal seroma). To date, there has been recurrence of two hernias in one patient. We conclude that PEER hernioplasty is an effective method of repair of primary hernias that is less invasive than the conventional approach and both less invasive and more cost-effective than laparoscopic approaches.