ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the clinic efficacy of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique in complex inguinal hernia repair. Methods Totally 42 patients with complex inguinal hernia were repaired by laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal technique in our hospital during July 2004 to June 2008. Among the cases,18 patients had bilateral indirect inguinal hernia,8 had unilateral indirect and direct inguinal hernia,5 suffered from indirect inguinal hernia at one side and direct inguinal hernia in the other side,4 patients showed bilateral direct inguinal,3 showed bilateral indirect inguinal hernia and unilateral direct inguinal hernia,2 had bilateral direct inguinal hernia and unilateral indirect inguinal hernia,1 patient showed indirect inguinal hernia complicated with femoral hernia at the same side,and 1 patient had indirect and direct inguinal hernia at the both sides.During the operation,a 10-mm incision was made at 15 mm below the umbilicus reaching the Hunter's line,to place the laparoscope and separate the extraperitoneal space.Afterwards,two 5-mm trocars were inserted and then extraperitoneal pneumorperitoneum was established involving the retropublic space extending up to the anterior superior spine,so that to return the complex hernias.A polypropylene patch was then used to cover the pubic foramen and Hesselbach triangle. Results TEP was successfully completed in all of the 42 patients with a mean operation time of 85-165 min (mean,107.3 min) and estimated intraoperative blood loss of 10-20 ml. Scrotum aerocele was detected in all of the cases during the operation. The patients received normal diet in 2 days postoperation. They were discharged from our hospital in 7 to 9 days (mean,7.6 days). Follow-up was achieved for 3 to 32 months (mean,15.3 months) in all of the patients,during the period,2 patients showed recurrent direct inguinal hernia,and 5 had mild paraesthesia in the lower abdominal wall. Conclusions TEP is safe and effective for complex inguinal hernia.