Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal [TEP] repair of hernia

ABSTRACT

Over a period of three years, 45 laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal [TEP] repair were performed on 43 patients [35 indirect and eight direct with two bilateral hernias]. The technique was similar, but in the last 21 cases, the space maker balloon was not used. The median operative time was 63 minutes for unilateral hernia and 79 minutes for the two bilateral hernia. At a mean follow-up of 13 months, only one hernia has recurred due to technical error. Postoperative complications were seen in three patients including scrotal seroma in two and neuralgia in one. The hospital stay was short [24 hours], more than 40% of patients required no postoperative analgesia and there was a quick return to work [seven days] for all patients except three. There is an additional economic benefit of not using costly balloon in half the cases. It can be concluded that laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach has acceptable recurrence and complication rates, it reduces the cost and continues a long-term follow up for further recommendations: