Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair after radical prostatectomy or previous lower abdominal surgery

Background Many practicing surgeons claim that hernias after previous lower abdominal surgery should be treated by transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP). Moreover, previous radical prostatectomy contraindicates the laparoscopic approach for hernia repair. This prospective study was designed to examine the feasibility and to evaluate the surgical outcome of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair in patients who had undergone previous lower abdominal surgery or radical prostatectomy, and to compare this group to all patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP without previous surgery during the study period. Methods Patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair, by one staff surgeon, in the Department of Abdominal Surgery at the Institute of Laparoscopic Surgery (ILS, Bordeaux) between September 2003 and December 2004 were prospectively enrolled to this study. Three groups were defined—patients with previous radical prostatectomy, patients with previous lower abdominal surgery, and patients without previous surgery—and their data were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 256 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs were performed in 202 patients. Of these, 148 patients had unilateral hernia (143 right and 113 left) and 54 patients had bilateral hernias. There were 166 male patients and 36 female patients with a mean age of 61 ± 16 years. Of these, 10 patients had inguinal hernia after prostatectomy and 15 patients had inguinal hernia after previous lower abdominal surgery. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the patients with previous prostatectomy than in the two other groups. Two patients after prostatectomy were converted to TAPP due to surgical difficulties. There were no major intraoperative complications in all patients except for three cases of bleeding arising from the inferior epigastric artery: two in the postprostatectomy group and one in a patient without previous surgery. Both ambulation and hospital stay were similar for all groups. Only one patient without previous surgery had postoperative bleeding and was reoperated on several hours after the hernia repair. During the follow-up period of 8 ± 4 months, there was no recurrence of the hernia in any group. Conclusions Laparoscopic TEP for inguinal hernia repair in patients after previous low abdominal surgery has good results, similar to those in patients without previous surgery. Despite a longer operative time, TEP repairs can be performed efficiently and safely in patients after prostatectomy by skilled and experienced laparoscopic surgeons.     

Previous appendicitis may affect peritoneal overlap of the mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is now increasingly performed in bilateral and recurrent groin hernias. The avoidance of direct exposure of the commonly used meshes to the abdominal viscera is considered essential to reduce the risk of bowel adhesions. We report a case of bilateral inguinal hernia repair in a patients who had had an appendectomy performed 8 years earlier for a perforated appendicitis. Probably as a result of previous inflammation, any attempt to dissect the preperitoneal layer in the right side resulted in peritoneal lacerations. Since the peritoneum could not be used to cover the mesh, we decided to position an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) mesh to avoid postoperative adhesions. The mesh was fixed with tacks to the symphysis pubis, Cooper's ligament, the ilio-pubic tract, and the transversalis fascia 2 cm above the hernia defect. This case suggests that in patient with previous appendicitis, a difficult preperitoneal dissection can be expected. In such cases, especially in young patients for whom future surgical operations cannot be excluded, any attempt to reduce adhesions is justified. At the present time, the use of e-PTFE meshes, which induce no tissue reaction, is a good option in this situation.     

Simultaneous laparoscopic prosthetic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy during transperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Concurrent repair of inguinal hernias during open radical retropubic prostatectomy is well described and commonly practiced. With the advent of the laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy, the possibility of concurrent laparoscopic hernia repair merits investigation. We present a case of simultaneous prosthetic mesh onlay hernia repair for bilateral inguinal hernias during laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy.     

Preperitoneal prosthetic mesh hernioplasty during radical retropubic prostatectomy

PURPOSE: The number of radical retropubic prostatectomies performed in the United States has increased during the last decade. There are 5 to 10% of candidates for radical retropubic prostatectomy who have a detectable inguinal hernia on physical examination. Furthermore, recent data suggest that there is an increased incidence of inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy. We evaluated the role of simultaneous inguinal hernioplasty during radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 575 radical prostatectomy procedures from June 1991 to June 1997, 70 hernioplasties were performed in 48 patients. Retrospective chart review was performed for all men who underwent simultaneous hernia repair. Mean patient age was 60.9 years (range 43 to 73). Polypropylene or polyester fiber prostheses were used for mesh hernioplasty. All repairs were performed using a preperitoneal approach during radical retropubic prostatectomy. RESULTS: There were 35 hernioplasties performed without and 35 with mesh. Mean postoperative followup was 24 months (range 6 to 66). Of the hernias 71% were indirect and 29% were direct. No recurrence was detected after mesh hernioplasty, whereas 5 hernias (14%) recurred in the nonmesh group. In this group 2 men (4%) also had de novo hernias on the contralateral side during followup. All recurrent hernias were diagnosed within 1 year of the initial operation. No patient had wound infection, persistent neuralgia or ischemic orchitis. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous repair of inguinal hernias during radical retropubic prostatectomy is effective and technically feasible. There is convenient access to the preperitoneal space during radical retropubic prostatectomy and hernia repair adds only 5 to 10 minutes of operative time. Mesh repair appears to offer optimized results compared to the nonmesh technique. Despite the use of prosthetic material, no complications were attributable to its application during these genitourinary procedures.     

Transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in a single session

INTRODUCTION: We aimed at evaluating the outcomes of transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair performed in a single session. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients (mean age 68+/-8.3 years) in whom transurethral prostatectomy was performed combined with an inguinal hernia repair were included into the study. Type of anesthesia, technique of inguinal hernia repair, hospitalization time, and the complications encountered were recorded. Cost comparisons were made using the official price-lists of the Turkish Medical Association. All patients were asked whether they were satisfied with the outcome of both operations performed in one session. The data obtained from the patients who underwent both operations in one session were compared with those obtained from 56 patients who underwent transurethral prostatectomy only (control group). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test corrected for continuity according to the Yates or the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The operations were performed in 19 patients under general, in 20 patients under epidural, and in 14 patients under spinal anesthesia. Three patients were given general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia combined. In 6 patients bilateral and in 50 patients unilateral hernia repair was performed. In 11 repairs, polyprolene mesh grafts were utilized; in 2 repairs, a laparoscopic method was used, and in the remaining 49 repairs, one of the conventional techniques (McVay, Bassini, or Shouldice) was employed. There were no significant differences with regard to early and late postoperative complications and satisfaction between study group and control group (p>0.05). Combined prostatectomy and hernia repair allows approximately 30% cost profit. CONCLUSIONS: Performing transurethral prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair in one session decreased the number of the operations and anesthesias, hospital stay, and thus health costs and did not cause an increase in operative and postoperative morbidity.     

Patent processus vaginalis in adults who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Predictive signs of postoperative inguinal hernia in the internal inguinal floor

Objective: To evaluate the risk for postoperative inguinal hernia according to the presence of patent processus vaginalis in an adult population. Methods: Medical records of 205 patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from May 2007 to November 2011 were reviewed. Age, prostate‐specific antigen, prostate volume, body mass index, operative time and history of previous abdominal surgery were evaluated. The existence of patent processus vaginalis was also evaluated for the development of postoperative inguinal hernia. Results: Postoperative inguinal hernia occurred in 20 out of 410 (4.9%) groins (17/205 patients; 8.3%), and patent processus vaginalis was observed in 49 out of 410 (11.9%) groins. In the normal groin group, inguinal hernia occurred in seven out of 361 (1.9%) groins. However, in the patent processus vaginalis group, it occurred in 13 out of 49 (26.5%) groins. On univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery and patent processus vaginalis were significant risk factors. Among them, patent processus vaginalis significantly increased the risk of postoperative inguinal hernia in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 22.37). In the patent processus vaginalis group, inguinal hernia developed at 12.9 ± 9.2 months after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 15 ± 7.4 months in the normal groin group. Inguinal hernia‐free ratios were significantly lower in the patent processus vaginalis group than the normal groin group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The existence of patent processus vaginalis represents an important risk factor for postoperative inguinal hernia in adults. Urologists should consider the possibility of postoperative inguinal hernia when patent processus vaginalis is observed during surgery.     

Use of Permacol in complicated incisional hernia

Polypropylene mesh repair is the gold standard for primary inguinal hernia and incisional hernia. Wound infection and small bowel fistulas are contraindications to polypropylene mesh repair. In addition, synthetic meshes are known to cause severe peritoneal adhesions and enteric fistulas if located close to the bowel. Porcine intestinal submucosa has been used successfully in experimental studies in dogs and rats to repair large abdominal wall defects. A new porcine dermal collagen graft has been used in man for groin hernia repair, incisional hernia repair and other surgical procedures without complications. We describe 6 cases of complicated incisional hernia operated in emergency using porcine dermal collagen grafts. In one woman the incisional hernia was associated with an enterovaginal fistula. Three cases presented severe wound infections, two of which related to a previous polypropylene mesh repair, while another had an irreducible recurrent incisional hernia and one woman presented complete evisceration. None of the patients had postoperative or porcine-graft-related complications. Over a follow-up period of 3-24 months we have had no recurrence or wound infection. The results of these few cases confirm the safety and efficacy of the porcine dermal collagen mesh also in incisional hernia repair.     

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.     

Combined open and laparoscopic approach to chronic pain following open inguinal hernia repair

Introduction: Chronic groin pain is the most common long-term complication after open inguinal hernia repair. Traditional surgical management of the associated neuralgia consists of injection therapy followed by groin exploration, mesh removal, and nerve transection. The resultant hernia defect may be difficult to repair from an anterior approach. We evaluate the outcomes of a combined laparoscopic and open approach for the treatment of chronic groin pain following open inguinal herniorrhaphy. Methods: All patients who underwent groin exploration for chronic neuralgia after a prior open inguinal hernia repair were prospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, type of prior hernia repair, and prior nonoperative therapies were recorded. The operation consisted of a standard three trocar laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair, followed by groin exploration, mesh removal, and nerve transection. Outcome measures included recurrent groin pain, numbness, hernia recurrence, and complications. Results: Twelve patients (11 male and 1 female) with a mean age of 41 years (range 29–51) underwent combined laparoscopic and open treatment for chronic groin pain. Ten patients complained of unilateral neuralgia, one patient had bilateral complaints, and one patient complained of orchalgia. All patients failed at least two attempted percutaneous nerve blocks. Prior repairs included Lichtenstein (n=9), McVay (n=1), plug and patch (n=1), and Shouldice (n=1). There were no intraoperative complications or wound infections. With a minimum of 6 weeks follow up, all patients were significantly improved. One patient complained of intermittent minor discomfort that required no further therapy. Two patients had persistent numbness in the ilioinguinal nerve distribution but remained satisfied with the procedure. Conclusions: A combined laparoscopic and open approach for postherniorrhaphy groin pain results in good to excellent patient satisfaction with no perioperative morbidity. It may be the preferred technique for the definitive management of chronic neuralgia after prior open hernia repair.     

The Comparison of Inflammatory Responses and Clinical Results After Groin Hernia Repair Using Polypropylene or Polyester Meshes

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results and the inflammatory responses against polypropylene and polyester meshes after groin hernia repair. Ninety patients with unilateral inguinal hernia randomly underwent Shouldice herniorrhaphy or Lichtenstein hernioplasty using polypropylene or polyester meshes. Venous blood samples were collected to evaluate serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Postoperative acute and chronic pain and time to attain to normal activities were evaluated. IL-6 levels decreased to preoperative levels in all groups at 48th hour. CRP levels of mesh-implanted groups are significantly higher than preoperative level at 48th hour, while it reduced to preoperative level in Shouldice herniorrhaphy group. Patients treated with mesh repair had less postoperative acute pain and recovered more rapidly than those who underwent Shouldice herniorrhaphy. It was concluded that polypropylene and polyester meshes used in hernia repair caused similar inflammatory responses and that clinical results after groin hernia repair with these prostheses were not significantly different.     

Outcomes after concurrent inguinal hernia repair and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy

Inguinal hernias occur more frequently following radical prostatectomy. Simultaneous inguinal hernia repair during open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer has been described previously. The emergence of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) has necessitated the evaluation of concomitant herniorrhaphy in this new setting. We report the outcomes of this operation in our series of patients. Retrospective review was performed on 700 patients with localised prostate cancer who underwent RALP performed by a single surgeon from 2004 to 2009. Details of cases where concurrent inguinal hernia repair was performed were recorded and compared with the remainder of the cohort. Hernia repair was performed using a monofilament knitted polypropylene cone mesh plug and fascial defect closure with Hem-o-Lok clips. A total of 38 inguinal herniorraphies were performed in 37 patients as a simultaneous procedure during transperitoneal RALP. The hernia repair on average added 5–10 min to the total procedure time. One patient underwent a bilateral repair. Across this group, mean age was 62.9 years, average body mass index was 27.1, and median follow-up was 29 months. There were no complications at the time of mesh placement. There were no cases complicated by wound infection, fluid collection, or chronic pain. Recurrence of an inguinal hernia occurred in one patient due to migration of the mesh. We conclude that concomitant inguinal hernia repair during RALP is safe, feasible, and effective. The herniorrhaphy can be performed quickly, adds little to the overall procedure time and avoids a further operative procedure for the patient.     

Groin hernia repair in Scotland

BACKGROUND: The use of mesh for groin hernia repair has dramatically changed the way this common operation is performed. The aim of this study was to survey the methods of groin hernia repair in Scotland and to assess patient satisfaction with the operation. METHODS: Between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 1999 all patients who underwent groin hernia repair in the National Health Service in Scotland were identified. As well as looking at the type of hernia repair performed and postoperative morbidity, patients were sent a Short Form-36 about 3 months after the operation to assess satisfaction and return to normal activity. RESULTS: Information was obtained on 5506 (97 per cent) of patients who underwent groin hernia repair during the study period. Eighty-five per cent of patients had an open mesh repair and 4 per cent had a laparoscopic repair. Most operations (85 per cent) were performed using general anaesthesia on an inpatient basis (78 per cent), and 8 per cent were for repair of a recurrent hernia. Potentially serious intraoperative complications were rare (seven patients), although they were significantly (P < 0. 001) more likely to be associated with a laparoscopic approach or repair of a femoral hernia: relative risk compared with open inguinal hernia repair 33 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 6-197) and 22 (95 per cent c.i. 3-152) respectively. Wound complications were common and 10 per cent of patients required a district nurse to attend the wound. Patients expressed a high degree of satisfaction; 94 per cent would recommend the same operation to someone else if required. CONCLUSION: An open mesh repair using general anaesthesia has become the repair of choice for a groin hernia in Scotland. Despite a high incidence of wound complications, patients are satisfied with this operation.     

Laparoscopic repair of perineal hernia after abdominoperineal excision

Purpose

Perineal hernia is a challenging complication after abdominoperineal excision (APE) of the rectum. Surgical repair can be accomplished using challenging abdominal or transperineal approaches. A laparoscopic repair using a Proceed mesh might be an easy and effective alternative.

Methods

We describe a multi-center case-series of twelve patients with a symptomatic perineal hernia treated by laparoscopic mesh repair. A cone-shaped 10 × 15 cm Proceed Mesh was tacked to the promontory or sacrum and sutured to the pelvic sidewalls and the anterior peritoneum.

Results

Twelve patients underwent laparoscopic repair of their perineal hernia. Four men and eight women presented with a symptomatic perineal hernia after abdominoperineal excision between 2008 and 2013 and underwent a laparoscopic repair with a Proceed mesh. The median age at presentation was 53 years (range 39–68 years). The mean total theater time was 119 min (range 75–200 min). No conversion to an open procedure was needed. No early complications where seen. The mean hospital stay was 2.25 days (range 1–4 days). Three patients showed recurrence, of whom two had a defect in the middle of the proceed mesh, one had a defect anterior to the previous perineal hernia. All 3 patients underwent a redo-laparoscopic repair with mesh.

Conclusion

In this case series we present an alternative approach for the surgical repair of perineal hernias. Based on our experience, perineal hernia after APE can be repaired safely and effectively using the described laparoscopic technique.

     

Ureteral reimplantation for inadvertent ureteral injury during radical perineal prostatectomy

We report on a rare case of bilateral ureteral injury in a patient undergoing radical perineal prostatectomy and a unique approach to his treatment. Potential risk factors for such an injury include previous prostatic cryotherapy, transurethral resection, or radiotherapy. Intraoperative recognition of the injury is paramount and may be facilitated by intravenous administration of indigo carmine. While distal ureter ligation, urinary diversion, and delayed ureteroneocystostomy may be regarded as standard management for ureteral injury during radical perineal prostatectomy, this case was treated with a primary bilateral transperineal ureteral reimplantation. Although technically challenging, the described case demonstrates the feasibility and success of such an approach.     

Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty after radical prostatectomy: is it safe? Prospective clinical trial

Introduction

Despite inguinal hernia repair being one of the most common elective operations performed in general surgical practice, there are many controversies including indications for repair and selection of the surgical technique. In recent years, laparoscopic repair has gained wider acceptance because it is associated with fewer postoperative complications and less chronic pain when compared with conventional approaches with similar recurrence rate. However, patients with lower abdominal surgery are contraindicated for laparoscopic approach. There are few studies that evaluated whether patients who have been subjected to radical prostatectomy might be subjected to laparoscopic hernia repair with the same benefits as those without previous radical prostatectomy.

Methods

Between March 2010 and March 2013, 20 consecutive patients, who had been subjected to prior radical prostatectomy, underwent laparoscopic transabdominal inguinal repair and were followed prospectively. Surgical procedure was performed using a standard technique.

Results

Mean operative time was 67.5 min. There was only one (5 %) intraoperative minor complication, an injury to the inferior epigastric vessels, which was managed by clipping of the vessels. There were no major postoperative complications. After 24 h and on the seventh postoperative day, 85 and 90 % of patients had no pain or only complained of discomfort, respectively. Nine patients (45 %) did not need any analgesics postoperatively. The mean time to return to leisure activities and to work was 3.1 and 5.6 days, respectively. There was no conversion to open surgery. All patients were discharged within 24 h. After a mean follow-up of 14 months, none of the patients presented recurrence.

Conclusion

TAPP after prostatectomy is safe and effective. It seems that patients undergoing laparoscopic repair after radical prostatic resection have the same benefits as those without prostatectomy.     

Morbidity of radical perineal prostatectomy following transurethral resection of the prostate

Radical prostatectomy in patients who have had prior transurethral resection of the prostate has been reported to result in significant morbidity. From 1974 to 1982, 30 patients who had had previous transurethral resection of the prostate underwent radical perineal prostatectomy for localized prostatic cancer. Operative time and blood loss were similar to a group of patients who had not had prior transurethral resection of the prostate. Over-all, 3 patients (10 per cent) had total incontinence and 3 (10 per cent) had stress incontinence requiring a pad or device. No patient undergoing radical prostatectomy less than 4 weeks or more than 4 months after transurethral resection of the prostate had postoperative incontinence. When radical perineal prostatectomy was performed between 4 weeks and 4 months after transurethral resection of the prostate the incidence of incontinence was 50 per cent. Five patients experienced prolonged perineal urinary drainage, all but 1 of whom healed spontaneously. Of the 6 patients with incontinence 3 had prolonged drainage. No patient had a rectal injury and there was no operative mortality. Two patients died without cancer and 1 has evidence of disease recurrence. We conclude that radical prostatectomy may be performed safely with acceptable morbidity following transurethral resection of the prostate and that if 4 weeks has elapsed since resection it might be advantageous to wait 4 months before performing radical surgery to lessen the risk of incontinence.     

Combined open and laparoscopic approach to chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair

Chronic groin pain is the most frequent long-term complication after inguinal hernia repair affecting up to 34 per cent of patients. Traditional surgical management includes groin exploration, mesh removal, and neurectomy. We evaluate outcomes of a combined laparoscopic and open approach to chronic pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy. All patients undergoing surgical exploration for chronic pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy were analyzed. In most, the operation consisted of mesh removal (open or laparoscopic), neurectomy, and placement of mesh in the opposite location of the first mesh (laparoscopic if the first was open and vice-versa). Main outcome measures included pain status, numbness, and hernia recurrence. Twenty-one patients (16 male and 5 female) with a mean age of 41 years (22-51 years) underwent surgical treatment for unilateral (n = 18) or bilateral (n = 3) groin pain. Percutaneous nerve block was unsuccessful in all patients. Four had previous surgery for pain. There were no complications. With a minimum of 6 weeks follow-up, 20 of 21 patients reported significant improvement or resolution of symptoms. A combined laparoscopic and open approach for postherniorrhaphy groin pain results in excellent patient satisfaction with minimal morbidity. It may be the preferred technique for the definitive management of chronic neuralgia after hernia repair.     

Repair of symptomatic perineal hernia with a titanium mesh

Purpose

Surgical repair of symptomatic perineal hernia is challenging, especially via a perineal approach with limited exposure of the hernia sac. Furthermore, insecure fixation of autologous or synthetic materials to bony structures often results in recurrence. Here, we describe the application of a titanium mesh for perineal hernia repair.

Methods

We performed hernia repair with a thin titanium mesh via a perineal approach in three patients who developed secondary perineal hernia following abdominoperineal resection. After the hernia sac was isolated and dissected, the titanium mesh was molded and placed over the ischium and coccyx to support the pelvic floor.

Results

No major complications occurred, and all three patients were free of recurrence at follow-up after 73, 109, and 6 months, respectively. The patients experienced slight pain in the perineal region when sitting, which resolved within 6 months.

Conclusion

Our successful preliminary results indicate that a titanium mesh is useful for perineal hernia repair by the perineal approach, as it can provide rigid support for the pelvic floor by its entire surface while ensuring stability without any fixation.     

Recurrent perineal hernia repair: a novel approach

Purpose

Postoperative perineal hernias are rare complications from procedures, which compromise the pelvic floor, mainly abdominoperineal resection, proctocolectomy, and partial or total pelvic exenteration. Surgical repair can be accomplished through abdominal, laparoscopic, or transperineal approaches.

Methods

We present a case report of a 70-year-old man who underwent two prior operations for recurrent perineal hernia and was ultimately successfully treated with a third operation, a synthetic mesh redo procedure that utilized a synthetic mesh system marketed for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Results

Although there is no "gold standard" for perineal hernia repair, our patient had multiple surgeries employing a variety of approaches. Final success was achieved using a mesh system with improved fixation to secure pelvic ligaments, using an exclusive perineal approach. Now, more than five years following the final surgery, the patient remains symptom free with no clinical evidence of perineal hernia recurrence.

Conclusions

To date, this is the only report of using this mesh system in a male. The advantages of using this mesh system are (1) exclusive perineal approach without the accompanying risks of abdominal or laparoscopic approach; (2) improved fixation of mesh to secure pelvic ligaments; and (3) lightweight, flexible, and large mesh shape that can easily be trimmed to allow versatility in procedures.     

Day-case laparoscopic hernia repair in a single unit

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic groin hernia repair has been shown to be a safe, well-tolerated procedure. Here, we report a series of patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh repair as day cases. RESULTS: We performed 984 repairs on 769 patients, 218 had bilateral repairs. Mean operating time was 25 min for unilateral and 38 min for bilateral repairs. Three were converted, and 39 required admission. Five were readmitted more than 48 h postoperatively. Three required reoperation for small bowel obstruction from herniation through a peritoneal defect. Only 57% of patients required analgesia for a mean of 1.9 days after discharge. Recovery times were similar for unilateral and bilateral herniae. Eight hernias have recurred to date. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hernia repair is suitable for day-case surgery for unilateral, bilateral, and recurrent herniae. TAPP repair allows inspection of the contralateral groin, with repair of defects as necessary.