Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair versus anterior preperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is still not the gold standard for repair although mesh implantation is unequivocally accepted as an integral part of any groin hernia repair. The aim of the study was to compare the results of anterior preperitoneal (APP) mesh repair with totally extra peritoneal (TEP) repair for inguinal hernias. The prospective study was conducted on 241 patients with 247 hernias (from January 2000 to June 2004). Anterior preperitoneal repair was done in 121 patients and 120 patients were subjected to TEP repair. Repair in both groups was done by using Prolene mesh of size 6×4 in. or 6×6 in. intraoperative and postoperative parameters and complications were recorded and the patients were followed up to 1 year post-surgery. For both unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias, mean operative time was significantly more in patients of TEP repair as compared to APP repair (P<0.001) and significantly more patients had peritoneal tears in the TEP group (P<0.001). Patients undergoing TEP repair, however, had significantly less postoperative pain (P<0.05) and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05) and return to work was significantly earlier is this group (P<0.01 and P<0.001). There was no difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups. Patients with inguinal hernias undergoing laparoscopic repair recover more rapidly, and have less incidence of postoperative pain. But it takes significantly more time to perform than APP repair and also the incidence of peritoneal tear is higher.     

Factors associated with hernia recurrence after laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: a 2-year prospective cohort study

Background

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) of inguinal hernia has been associated with higher rates of recurrence compared to open methods. The aim of the present study was to determine independent risk factors for recurrence within 2 years after TEP.

Methods

This was a single-centre prospective cohort study with consecutive inclusion of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair from 2010 to 2014. Systematic follow-up was conducted 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Risk factors for recurrence after 2 years were analysed in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 1194 patients underwent TEP for inguinal or femoral hernia in the study period, of which 1047 were eligible for analyses. After 2 years, 56 (5.3%) patients had presented with recurrence. The following factors were associated with recurrence in univariate analyses: body mass index (BMI) >30 (HR 3.64; p = 0.011), medial vs. lateral hernia (HR 2.37; p = 0.004), repair of recurrent hernia vs. primary repair (HR 2.12; p = 0.049), and length of stay >1 day (HR 1.77; p = 0.043). In multivariate analyses, factors independently associated with recurrence after 2 years were BMI >30 (HR 3.74; p = 0.026) and medial vs. lateral hernia (HR 2.39; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

The recurrence rate after TEP is higher than reported after open hernia repair. Attempts to decrease the rate should be persuaded. Good surgical technique with precise dissection and correct placement of the mesh, especially in medial hernias and obese patients, may be key points to improve outcomes after TEP.

     

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair under epidural anesthesia: a detailed evaluation

Background Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is as efficacious as the open Lichtenstein procedure, can be learned with proper training, and causes less postoperative pain, better cosmesis, and earlier return to work. The one major factor preventing the widespread acceptance of TEP is the requirement for general anesthesia (GA). In contrast, open hernia is performed using local or regional anesthesia, thereby having the advantage of quicker recovery, decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), fewer hemodyanamic changes, reduced metabolic responses to surgical stress, and better muscle relaxation. This study attempted to evaluate whether laparoscopic TEP can be performed under less invasive anesthesia, such as regional anesthesia, and to determine its feasibility and limitations Methods All total of 22 male patients were studied between January 2002 and March 2003 in a tertiary care referral hospital. Epidural anesthesia with 2% lignocaine with adrenaline (Adr) was given via a lumbar epidural catheter, achieving a sensory level of T6. The standard technique for TEP was followed, using three midline infraumbilical ports. Results Twenty-two patients (20 unilateral, 2 bilateral) underwent operation. The mean operating time was 67.8 ± 18 (range, 40–110) min. All 22 cases were started with epidural anesthesia, 7 of which (31.9%) were converted to GA; the other 15 (68.1%) were completed under epidural anesthesia. All cases were successfully completed laparoscopically, and there were no conversions. There were no intraoperative complications. There was no significant difference between the cases conducted under epidural anesthesia (67.6 ± 23 min) and those converted to GA (69.3 ± 7.3 min). There was no statistically significant difference between the conversion rates of smaller versus larger hernias in this study (p value 0.22). A significant association of success of the procedure was seen with a sensory level of T6 and above (2/15 conversions to GA; i.e., 13.3%) and cases with a sensory level below T6 (5/7 converted; i.e., 71.4%) and adequate epidural catheter length (p = 0.015). Prevention and management of pneumoperitoneum and subsequent shoulder-tip pain was the key to preventing conversions (6 of 9 converted to GA; i.e., 67%; p = 0.006). There were no significant postoperative complications, and no recurrences were noted during a mean follow-up period of 29 months (range, 20–36 months). Conclusions From the present study it is clear that TEP is possible under epidural anesthesia provided a minimal sensory level of T6 is achieved. To achieve that level, an appropriate higher site for catheter insertion and/or adequate intraepidural catheter length needs specific attention. Pneumoperitoneum, shoulder-tip pain, intraoperative straining, and inadequate preperitoneal space are factors whose interplay leads to conversion to GA. The size of the hernia is not related to pneumoperitoneum or conversion to GA.     

Randomized prospective study of totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: fixation versus no fixation of mesh.

BACKGROUND: Fixation of the mesh during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is thought to be necessary to prevent recurrence. However, mesh fixation may increase postoperative pain and lead to an increased risk of complications. We questioned whether elimination of fixation of the mesh during TEP inguinal hernia repair leads to decreased postoperative pain or complications, or both, without an increased rate of recurrence. METHODS: A randomized prospective single-blinded study was carried out in 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with (Group A=20) or without (Group B=20) fixation of the mesh. RESULTS: Patients in whom the mesh was not fixed had shorter hospital length of stay (8.3 vs 16.0 hours, P=0.01), were less likely to be admitted to the hospital (P=0.001), used less postoperative narcotic analgesia in the PACU (P=0.01), and were less likely to develop urinary retention (P=0.04). No significant differences occurred in the level of pain, time to return to normal activity, or the difficulty of the operation between the 2 groups. No hernia recurrences were observed in either group (follow-up range, 6 to 30 months, median=19). CONCLUSIONS: Elimination of tack fixation of mesh during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair significantly reduces the use of postoperative narcotic analgesia, hospital length of stay, and the development of postoperative urinary retention but does not lead to a significant reduction in postoperative pain. Eliminating tacks does not lead to an increased rate of recurrence.     

腹腔镜下无钉合全腹膜外疝修补术(附240例次报告)

目的重新认识腹股沟区腹膜前解剖的特点，探讨腹腔镜下全腹膜外疝修补术的技术要点。方法2005年3月对5具新鲜尸体进行腹股沟区解剖研究。2002年11月至2006年5月行腹腔镜下无钉合全腹膜外疝修补术（totally extraperltoneal inguinal hernia repair，TEP）共240例次（211例病人），进行术中的解剖观察，手术录像的回顾分析及术后随访。结果在腹股沟肌耻骨孔区域缺乏骨骼肌纤维的保护，是腹内压直接作用的位置；腹股沟区存在两层腹横筋膜，TEP所使用的腹膜前间隙是在两层腹横筋膜之间；平均手术时间57min，并发症发生率6．7％（16／240），无复发病例，术后平均住院时间2.8d。结论从腹股沟区腹膜前解剖学特点来看在肌耻骨孔内侧用足够大的补片覆盖修补符合压力学原理，无钉合全腹膜外疝修补术具有合理性，符合微创的观点。     

Ambulatory total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: feasibility and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Feasibility of ambulatory laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in developing countries is not known due to lack of dedicated outpatient centers. This study prospectively evaluated the feasibility of outpatient discharge after laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair done in combination with in-hospital services and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: Forty patients were studied who had uncomplicated inguinal hernias and fulfilled the selection criteria. Quality of life was evaluated by using the SF-12 questionnaire. RESULTS: Ninety percent of patients could be discharged as outpatients. Four patients required admission. No major complications or readmissions occurred. Physical components of quality of life deteriorated in the immediate postoperative period but improved to above preoperative levels within one month. A transient deterioration in subgroups of the mental health component was observed, which recovered to normal in less than a week. There was no significant alteration in the emotional component. There has been no recurrence at a median follow-up of 25 months. CONCLUSION: It was feasible to safely perform outpatient TEP in combination with routine in-hospital services without increasing complications or causing any adverse impact on quality of life. This was possible subject to adherence to proper selection and discharge criteria.     

Contralateral occurrence after laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair for unilateral inguinal hernia

Purpose  

Although laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) has been reported to have a low recurrence rate and relatively little postoperative pain, there have been few studies reported regarding contralateral occurrence after TEP. Although a high incidence of occult contralateral hernias has been reported in the literature, it is unknown whether occult hernias have any significance in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of contralateral occurrence after TEP for unilateral inguinal hernia.     

A 10-year follow-up study on endoscopic total extraperitoneal repair of primary and recurrent inguinal hernia

Background  To determine whether endoscopic repair is favorable in the long term, follow-up recurrence rates afrter 10 years need to be assessed. Methods  Between January 1995 and January 1996, 306 consecutive patients underwent total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Long-term follow-up assessment occurred from January 2006 to May 2006. Results  After a 10-year follow-up period, six (4%) recurrences were found in the primary inguinal hernia group and three recurrences (11%) in the recurrent inguinal hernia group. Age, experience, hospital stay, and operating time were not significantly correlated with recurrences. Conclusion  The long-term results of TEP primary inguinal hernia repair demonstrate it to be an effective and safe procedure with an acceptable recurrence rate. Recurrence rates may be underestimated because the findings show that recurrences continue to occur for as long as 10 years.     

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in the day-care setting

Background: Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is gaining popularity, and our preference is to perform this procedure as a day case. This study evaluates the suitability of TEP repair in the day-care setting. Methods: A policy of day-care TEP repair, unless contraindicated, was adopted for inguinal hernia repair, and the outcome was prospectively evaluated. Of 87 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs, day-care TEP was possible in 54 (62%); 17 (20%) were in-patient TEP, 14 (16%) were open repairs, and 2 (2%) were converted from TEP to open repairs. Results: Among day-care TEP repairs, median visual analog pain score at discharge was 2.3/10, and 43% of patients had no pain. Complications included cord hematoma 2 (4%) and seroma 3 (6%). Median times for stopping analgesia, resumption of full activity, and return to work were 3, 3, and 6 days respectively. Complete satisfaction with day-care TEP was expressed by 91% of patients; 9% were moderately satisfied, and none expressed dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Day-care TEP repair is feasible in the majority of patients with inguinal hernias, and it is associated with minimal complications, excellent recovery, and a high degree of patient satisfaction. Received: 25 February 1998/Accepted: 28 May 1998     

Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction after bilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized study comparing the Stoppa procedure with laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEPP)

The infraumbilical incision required for open repair of bilateral inguinal hernia with a giant prosthesis is associated with postoperative pain and respiratory impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative respiratory dysfunction after bilateral hernia surgery. Thirty-nine patients were randomized into two groups: open repair according to the Stoppa technique and laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair (TEPP). Respiratory function tests were performed before and 24 hours after surgery. The two groups were well matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk score, type of hernia, and preoperative lung function. The postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1.0) were significantly altered in both groups. The PEF dropped 15% in both groups. The FVC dropped 22% after Stoppa versus 25% after laparoscopy (P = 0.7). The FEV 1.0 dropped 21% after Stoppa versus 9% after laparoscopy (P = 0.12). We conclude that laparoscopic preperitoneal and open bilateral hernia repair are followed by similar ventilatory dysfunction, although a trend toward better postoperative FEV 1.0 was noted after laparoscopy. This might play a role in selected patients with severe pulmonary limitations. Overall, the limited drop in pulmonary function following bilateral hernia repair under general anesthesia may serve to explain the low pulmonary morbidity that follows these procedures.     

经济型完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术

目的探讨较经济的完全腹膜外腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术（TEP）的可行性，总结经济型TEP的操作经验，为TEP的推广提供借鉴。方法回顾性分析我院2006年6月至2007年12月对23例腹股沟疝进行TEP的临床资料；采用连续硬膜外麻醉，免气囊扩张器建立腹膜外间隙，使用国产聚丙烯补片且不予钉合固定等系列降低手术成本的手术方法。结果23例腹股沟疝患者腹膜撕裂3例，中转开放手术2例，中转全麻1例（均发生于斜疝）；手术时间40～180min，平均住院5d，住院费用4500．00—5000．00元；术后无疼痛、血清肿、感染、疝复发等并发症发生。结论采用连续硬膜外麻醉，免气囊分离器，国产聚丙烯补片不予钉合固定的TEP是可行的，为其在基层医院的开展提供了借鉴作用。     

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

We have devised a reproducible approach to the preperitoneal space for laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias that is based on an understanding of the abdominal wall anatomy. Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy was performed on 99 hernias in 90 patients at the Los Angeles County–University of Southern California Medical Center, using a standardized approach to the preperitoneal space. Operative times, morbidity, and recurrence rates were recorded prospectively. The median operative time was 37 min (range, 28–60) for unilateral hernias and 46 min (range, 35–73) for bilateral hernias. There were no conversions to open repair, and there was only one conversion to a laparoscopic transabdominal approach. Complications were limited to urinary retention in two patients, pneumoscrotum in one patient, and postoperative pain requiring a large dose of analgesics in one patient. All patients were discharged within 23 h. There were no recurrences or neuralgias on follow-up at 2 years. A standardized approach to the preperitoneal space based on a thorough understanding of the abdominal wall anatomy is essential to a satisfactory outcome in hernia repair. Received: 18 November 1998/Accepted: 19 March 1999     

TEP术中导致腹膜破裂的原因和处理

目的 探讨腹腔镜下腹膜外腹股沟疝修补术(TEP)手术中腹膜破裂后处理对策.方法 回顾分析2015年1月～2020年1月在我院腹股沟疝行TEP手术的所有病例,总结TEP手术中腹膜破裂的原因、裂口的大小、位置及处理对策.比较同期病例腹股沟疝修补术中腹膜破裂和完整的患者手术时间、中转术式、手术并发症、住院时间的差异.结果 本...     

A pilot study for one-stop endoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Background  

One-stop surgery was developed for patients to undergo surgical evaluation, anesthesia, surgery, and discharge all within 1 day. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, patient satisfaction, and potential of one-stop endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia surgery.     

Totally extraperitoneal repair of recurrent inguinal hernia

Background: A variety of procedures with substantial differences in results are employed to treat recurrent inguinal hernia. The advantages of totally extraperitoneal patch repair (TEP) are even more evident when it is applied to recurrent compared to primary hernias. To investigate the superiority of this method more closely, we reviewed our results obtained for recurrent inguinal hernias over a period of 2 years. Methods: We performed a prospective single-center study using data obtained in consecutive patients with recurrent inguinal hernia who were operated on in 1997 and 1998. Results: A total of 179 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia were recruited. Overall, 1329 patients with inguinal hernia were treated in the 2-year period, of whom 1270 underwent TEP. The percentage of recurrent hernias was 14%. The average age of the patients was 56 years. The follow-up rate was 87.5%, and the mean follow-up period was 2.3 years. The 154 patients who were followed up underwent a total of 225 hernia repairs, of which 181 were for recurrent hernias. The average operating time was 57 min. In 68% (104/154) of the patients, adhesions, adherent epigastric vessels, or cicatricial changes were found, which resulted in the inadvertant opening of the peritoneum in 26.3% of the patients. All the openings in the peritoneum were closed by endoscopic suturing. Intraoperative complications developed in 4 patients (2.3%), including one injury to the bladder and three cases of bleeding from side branches of the epigastric vessels. The conversion rate was 0%. The sole postoperative complication was treatment requiring hematomas in 7 patients, in 2 of whom reoperation became necessary. In both cases, a diffuse hemorrhage due to a preoperatively undiagnosed coagulation disorder was found. No cases of wound or patch infection were observed. In a patient undergoing both primary and recurrent hernia repair, displacement of a mesh led to a recurrence on the primary hernia side (recurrence rate, 0.4%; re-recurrence rate, 0%). Conclusions: Although for its definitive management, recurrent hernia requires a reliable operative technique, current data do not support the recommendation of any of the currently available procedures as the gold standard. In a representative patient population with recurrent hernia, we were able to demonstrate that TEP achieves very good results in terms of re-recurrence rate, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and rehabilitation. Prerequisites for the reliable and low-complication application of the method are a high level of standardization of the procedure and an advanced learning curve. Presented at the 8th World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery SAGES, New York, NY, USA, 13–16 March 2002     

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with nonfixation of the mesh for 1,692 hernias

Background  This study aimed to examine the recurrence rate and postoperative pain in total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) performed without fixation of the mesh and to compare the rates with those for repairs using fixation of mesh. Methods  A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 3-year period for 929 patients (1,753 hernias) who had undergone TEP. The recurrence rate, pain scores at 24 h and 1 week, hospital stay, days until resumption of normal activities, seroma formation, and urinary retention rates were noted. Results  Of the 929 patients (1,753 hernias), the mesh was fixed (Fx) for 33 (61 hernias) and not fixed (NFx) for 896 (1,692 hernias). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 40 months (mean, 17 months). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean operating time, proportion of patients who had minimal or no pain (score, 1 or 2) 24 h after surgery, or proportion of patients who were totally pain free (score = 1) 1 week postoperatively. The proportions of patients reporting pain at the end of 1 month, the incidence of seroma formation and urinary retention, the hospital stay, and the days until resumption of normal activities were significantly greater in the Fx group than in the NFx group (p < 0.0001). Two patients (0.22%) in the NFx group had recurrence and one patient in the Fx group underwent conversion to open hernia repair. Conclusions  This study found TEP without mesh fixation to be safe and feasible with no increase in recurrence rates. The TEP procedure is associated with significantly less pain at 4 weeks, lower incidence of urinary retention and seroma formation, shorter hospital stay, and early resumption of normal activities.     

Cost-effective laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair: the Portsmouth technique

NICE (UK) has not recommended unilateral primary laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair because of its expense. A two-port technique without balloon inflator or routine tacking was developed, which helped reduce costs to just ￡35 more than day-case open hernia repair. Over a 6-month period, 40 patients underwent 60 TEP repairs with a 6-month follow up. Zero degree laparoscope (10 mm) and blunt graspers (5 mm) created the pre-peritoneal space, identified landmarks and completed the dissection. Trimmed 15×15 cm mesh was placed over each defect. Operating times for unilateral and bilateral hernias for consultants and supervised trainees were 30*, 42.5* and 40*, 55* min (*: Median) respectively. Verbal rating pain scores at 24 and 72 h were 1* (0–3) and 0* (0–2) respectively. Patients returned to activity, driving and work in 5*, 7* and 14* days respectively. Cost of laparoscopic hernia repair was calculated at ￡105. A two-port laparoscopic hernia repair can be performed effectively and safely, in reasonable time and at a low cost. These data support the use of this technique in primary unilateral inguinal hernia. European Association for Endoscopic Surgery, Barcelona, 9th–12th June 2004 Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, Harrogate, 28th–30th April 2004     

Fibrin glue for securing the mesh in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Background Anchoring the mesh in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal groin hernia repair (TEP) with human fibrin glue has theoretical advantages. However, these have been supported and reported previously only in animal studies. Before the initiation of large patient trials, the authors wanted to confirm the feasibility, assess the costs, and rule out any flagrant short- and long-term adverse effects of fibrin glue usage in a small series of patients. Methods Nine consecutive TEP repairs with fibrin glue mesh fixation were performed. The perioperative and postoperative outcomes at 1, 16, and 40 months were compared with those for a control group of 96 stapled repairs. Results Gluing was easy and is less expensive than stapling. No fibrin glue–related adverse effects were found. The overall outcome was similar to that for stapled repairs, with no indication that the glued repairs were inferior. Conclusions Fibrin glue seems to be a reasonable, feasible, and maybe even competitive alternative to the standard tissue-penetrating mesh fixation. The results of this study justify launching larger trials. Presented at the 11th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Glasgow, Scotland, 15–18 June 2003, and as an updated version at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 31 March 31–3 April 2004.     

A randomized comparison of the early outcome of stapled and unstapled techniques of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: The need for stapling is a relative drawback of laparoscopic hernia repairs because it adds to the complications and costs. The safety of unstapled repairs as a viable alternative lacks validation, due to the dearth of analogous comparative trials. METHODS: Patients were randomized to undergo either stapled or unstapled total extraperitoneal hernia repairs. The groups were matched for age and the type of hernia repaired. Pain scores, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, postoperative recovery, and long-term outcomes (ie, groin pain, paraesthesias, testicular atrophy, and recurrence) were studied. RESULTS: The incidence of complications, pain scores, pain trends, hospital stay, return to activity, and long-term outcomes were comparable. No recurrence has been noted at a median follow-up of 23 months in 63 hernias repaired in 49 patients. CONCLUSION: Unstapled laparoscopic hernia repair scores are equivalent to their stapled counterparts with respect to recurrence and complications.