Impact of peritoneal tears on the outcome and late results (4 years) of endoscopic totally extra-peritoneal inguinal hernioplasty

Does Prior Lower Abdominal Surgery Prevent Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (Totally Extraperitoneal or Transabdominal Preperitoneal)? A Prospective Observational Study

Objective: Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) surgeries were considered contraindicated in patients who underwent lower abdominal surgery until recently. However, in recent surgeries, it has been reported that they can be performed safely in those cases. Our aim in this study is to investigate the effectiveness of laparoscopic hernia repair methods in patients who have and have not had lower abdominal surgery before. Patients and Method: This study was a prospective observational study between May 2018 and May 2023. Two hundred eighty-eight patients were included in the study. The operation was started with the TEP technique in all patients. Patients, classified in two groups who had not previously undergone abdominal surgery (n = 216) (Group I) and who had surgery (n = 72) (Group II). Demographic characteristics of patients, intraoperative and postoperative complications were determined. In addition to descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation), Shapiro-Wilk normality test, independent t test, and chi-square test were used to evaluate the data. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting the presence of Previous Surgery and Peritoneal Tear. Results were evaluated at the significance level of P < .05. Results: Two hundred fifty-nine patients were operated with TEP method. TEP method was converted to transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) in 9 patients from Group I and 20 patients from Group II. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Conclusion: With increasing experience in laparoscopic hernia surgery, it is now possible to perform hernia surgeries with preperitoneal (TEP) and abdominal approaches (TAPP) in patients who have previously undergone lower abdominal surgery.

Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Under Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently used elective surgical operations in the world. General anesthesia (GA) has risks and routine postoperative complications, such as nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, and postoperative pain. Regional anesthesia (RA) has many advantages over GA, such as faster recovery, less postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, and less hemodynamic compromise. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA) in preventing shoulder pain in patients undergoing totally extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy (TEP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The files of patients who had undergone the TEP method under GA and CSEA due to inguinal hernia between April 2020 and November 2021 at the Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients were included in the study. The number of patients operated on GA (group 1) was 40, and the number of patients operated under CSEA (group 2) was 41. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the patients. The surgical time was 42.9 and 42.5 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.970). The mean operative time was recorded as 60.1 and 80.2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and it was statistically significantly shorter in group 1 (P<0.001). A peritoneal tear was seen in 18 patients (43.90%) in the GA group and 16 patients (40%) in the CSEA group, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.823). Mild shoulder pain that did not require intervention was observed in 1 patient (2.5%) in the CSEA group. In group 2, the VAS scores at all times and the need for postoperative analgesia were statistically significantly lower (P<0.001). In terms of anesthesia complications, headache was not observed in group 1, while it was seen in 6 (15%) patients in group 2 (P=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

In laparoscopic TEP surgeries, CSEA may be an alternative anesthesia method to GA anesthesia due to the low VAS score, less need for analgesia, and fewer postoperative pulmonary complications.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) and Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Techniques in Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the clinical outcomes of two commonly used laparoscopic techniques, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair, in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 250 patients who underwent laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair using either the TEP or TAPP technique between May 2009 and May 2024. The patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients in the TEP group and 200 in the TAPP group. Data were collected from patient records, including demographics, type of hernia, surgical details, intraoperative and postoperative complications, conversion rates, and early hernia recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

Among the 250 patients included in the study, the mean age was 51.62 ± 8.79 years, and 94% (n=235) were male. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the TEP group (93.2 ± 13.0 minutes) than in the TAPP group (57.95 ± 7.5 minutes) (p <.001). The mean hospital stay was also longer in the TEP group (1.36 ± 0.48 days) compared to the TAPP group (1.07 ± 0.25 days) (p <.001). The TEP group had a higher rate of conversion to open surgery 18%(n=9) and conversion to TAPP 10% (5) than the TAPP group, which had no conversions (p <.0001). Postoperative complications were more frequent in the TEP group, with urinary retention being significantly higher at 16%(n=8) than in the TAPP group at 2% (n=4) (p <.0004). Additionally, the TAPP group experienced two (1%) notable intraoperative complications that required reoperation: arterial injury and small bowel injury.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that, while both TEP and TAPP effectively repair bilateral inguinal hernia, TAPP is associated with shorter operative times, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postoperative complications. However, the TAPP technique also presented notable intraoperative risks, including arterial and bowel injury. The choice between TEP and TAPP should be based on the surgeon's experience, patient characteristics, and the specific clinical context.

The Effect of Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia on Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Extraperitoneal Hernia Surgery

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a condition that seriously discomforts patients and develops caused by a peritoneal tear in laparoscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) surgeries. Although surgeons generally prefer general anesthesia for the TEP technique, many studies have been carried out on the use of regional anesthesia in recent years. In our study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (CSEA) method to prevent shoulder pain in the TEP technique.

METHODS

The patients who operated with the TEP procedure were divided into 2 groups; SA (group 1) and CSEA (group 2). The 2 patient groups were compared in terms of sex, age, body mass index, duration of surgery, total operation time, patient satisfaction, pain scores, length of hospital stay, adverse effects, intraoperative, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The number of patients in group 1 was 42 and group 2 was 40. The mean operation time was recorded as 55.9 and 80.2 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was statistically significantly shorter in group 1 ( P <0.001). Postoperative pain was significantly less in group 2 for the 4th hour ( P <0.0001) and the 12th hour ( P =0.047). There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of peritoneal tear ( P =0.860). Intraoperative and postoperative shoulder pain was significantly less in group 2 ( P =0.038, P =0015, respectively).

CONCLUSION

CSEA is an effective and safe anesthesia method for preventing shoulder pain that develops after TEP surgeries.

Bilateral inguinal hernia repair by laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) vs. laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP)

BACKGROUND

The guidelines recommend laparoscopic repair for bilateral inguinal hernia. However, few studies compare the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) techniques in bilateral inguinal hernias. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of TEP and TAPP in bilateral inguinal hernia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients operated on for bilateral inguinal hernia by TEP and TAPP repair from 2016 to 2020. Intraoperative complications, operative time, acute postoperative pain, hospital stay, postoperative complications, chronic inguinal pain, and recurrence were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were included in the study. TEP was performed in 71 patients (46%) and TAPP in 84 patients (54%). The mean operative time was longer in the TAPP group than in the TEP group (107 min vs. 82 min, p < 0.001). The conversion rate to open surgery was higher in the TEP group than in the TAPP group (8.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.008). The mean hospital stay was longer in the TAPP group than in the TEP group (p < 0.001). We did not observe significant differences in the proportion of postoperative complications (p = 0.672), postoperative pain at 24 h (p = 0.851), chronic groin pain (p = 0.593), and recurrence (p = 0.471). We did not observe an association between the choice of surgical technique (TEP vs. TAPP) with conversion rate, operative time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, chronic inguinal pain, or hernia recurrence when performing a multivariable analysis adjusted for the male sex, age, BMI, ASA, recurrent hernia repair, surgeon, and hernia size > 3cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral inguinal hernia repair by TEP and TAP presented similar outcomes in our study.

Learning curve analysis using the cumulative summation method for totally extraperitoneal repair of the inguinal hernia

PURPOSE

The totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) technique has been widely performed, and compared with open surgery, TEP results in less postoperative pain and similar surgical outcomes in the treatment of inguinal hernias. However, TEP has a longer learning curve than does conventional surgery.

METHODS

The data for patients who underwent TEP for inguinal hernias by a single surgeon between April 2017 and July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) method and the following two variables were used to analyze the learning curve: (1) the operation event (OE), including intraoperative complications and conversion to open surgery; and (2) the operation score (OS), as calculated by the operation time, patient body mass index, and disease characteristics.

RESULTS

The CUSUM chart showed three phases for both the OE and OS. The former reached a first inflection point after the 85th case and decreased after the 200th case, and the latter reached a plateau after the 101st case and decreased after the 203rd case. The operation time was longer in phases 1 and 2 than in phase 3 (64.2 min versus 47.9 min versus 31.1 min; p < 0.001), and the OS was lower in phase 3 than in the other phases (71.9 points versus 106.4 points versus 142.7 points; p < 0.001). Ten cases of intraoperative complications were observed, all in the first and second phases (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

At least approximately 100 cases are required for the initial learning period, and an additional 103 cases are required for the accumulation of additional experience. Surgical competency can be gained after 203 TEPs are performed.

Risk Factors for Conversion in Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Conversion is a surgical concern because the surgical technique can change during surgery. Surprisingly, there is no study in the literature on the causes and risk factors leading to conversion in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal repair (TEP). There is also no consensus on the prevention and causes of this condition in TEP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors underlying the development of conversion during TEP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 962 consecutive patients who underwent TEP between May 2016 and May 2021. All data were collected retrospectively. The outcomes of patients who converted to open surgery were compared with those without conversion. Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for conversion.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of conversion was 4.05% (n=39). The median age was 42 years (18 to 83) and body mass index was 25.2 kg/m2 (15.67 to 32.9). Significant clinical factors associated with conversion included old age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, large peritoneal tear (PT), Charlson comorbidity index, previous surgery, large hernial defects, presence of scrotal hernia, and the defect size of inguinal hernia. Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for conversion: large hernial defect, large PT, previous lower abdominal surgery, previous hernia surgery, and scrotal hernia.

CONCLUSION

Conversion is a minor complication seen during TEP and its incidence varies depending on many factors. Previous lower abdominal surgery and a large PT carries a 6-fold increased risk for conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery during TEP.

Causes of peritoneal injury during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair and methods of repair

INTRODUCTION

Peritoneal injury during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is an intraoperative complication that affects accomplishment. We retrospectively examined the causes of peritoneal injury and methods of TEP repair.

METHODS

This study examined 58 patients with inguinal hernia (43 unilateral, 15 bilateral) who had undergone TEP repair; all procedures were performed by the same surgeon. The incidence of peritoneal injury, clinical characteristics that could have influenced peritoneal injury, and management of the injury were analyzed.

RESULTS

Peritoneal injury was noted in 16 inguinal hernias (21.9%, 16 /73). Injury occurred more frequently in right-sided hernias than in left-sided hernias (31.6% vs 11.4%, P = .049). No other factors were related to injury. Peritoneal injury occurred due to anatomical misrecognition in five hernias (31.3%, 5/16) and unintentional dissection in six hernias (37.5%, 6/16). All injuries due to unintentional dissection occurred in right-sided hernias. The procedures used for peritoneal injury repair were endoscopic suturing for 4 hernias, pre-tied loop ligation for 1 hernia, and ligation clips in 11 hernias. Additional techniques were required in three hernias repaired by endoscopic suturing (75% 3/4). After introduction of the ligation clips, endoscopic suturing was discontinued, and no additional techniques were needed.

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal injury more frequently occurred in right-sided inguinal hernia than in left-sided inguinal hernia during TEP repair. The common reasons for peritoneal injury were anatomical misrecognition and unintentional dissection. Repair using ligation clips is the best option for peritoneal injuries that occur during TEP repair.

Closing peritoneal tear during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: simple and effective technique

PURPOSE

Peritoneal tears occurring during TAPP and TEP are common, and can cause difficulty in continuing surgery, or, if left open can cause postoperative complications. A number of techniques to close the tear in the peritoneum have been described. These techniques are difficult and add to the operating time, and may not be successful in closing the opening in the peritoneum. We describe a simple, effective, fast technique of repairing these tears using the bipolar diathermy.

METHOD

We have used bipolar diathermy to seal inadvertent peritoneal tears occurring during TAPP/TEP repairs. This method of sealing the peritoneum has been used by us since 2015. We decided to review our results of sealing the tears in the peritoneum at TAPP/TEP from 01 Jan 2017 to 31 Dec 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 152 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP/TEP) procedures were done by the authors from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, and of these, 101 cases had some degree of peritoneal tear. All peritoneal tears were very simply sealed using bipolar diathermy.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal tears occurring inadvertently during Laparoscopic TAPP/TEP procedure for repair inguinal hernia can be effectively sealed with simple bipolar diathermy.

Quadratus Lumborum Block As A Single Anesthetic Method For Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (Tep) Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Minimally invasive surgery for inguinal hernia repair is advantageous in terms of return to usual activities and lower rates of chronic pain; however, it requires general anesthesia. This study sought to analyze the benefits of ultrasound guided locoregional anesthesia of the quadratus lumborum muscle (QL block) as a single anesthetic technique for endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair with regard to postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost. A total of 46 patients, aged 18 to 80 years, with unilateral inguinal hernia, one group that received general anesthesia and one that received sedation and QL block for TEP inguinal hernia repair. In the 46 patients the median pain score 6 hours after surgery was significantly lower (2 versus 4) among the QL block group than among the group receiving general anesthesia. Consequently, the former group showed a briefer median hospital stay (6 versus 24 hours, respectively). The anesthesia and hospital costs were also lower for the QL block group, with median reductions of 64.15% and 25%, respectively. QL block is a safe and effective option for patients undergoing TEP inguinal hernia repair, given the observed reduction in early postoperative pain, briefer hospital stay, and decreased anesthesia and hospital costs.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair after prostatectomy: Evaluating safety, efficacy, and efficiency

BACKGROUND

For many surgeons, a prior prostatectomy is considered a contraindication to laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair. This study aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of totally extraperitoneal in these patients.

METHODS

This is a review of a prospectively collected hernia database evaluating patients who underwent totally extraperitoneal repair between October 2009 and March 2018. Patients with prior prostatectomy were matched to controls without prior prostatectomy. Secondary analysis compared the case group to patients who underwent open hernia repair.

RESULTS

In the study, 1,751 patients underwent laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair. Thirty patients with a prior prostatectomy were matched to 90 controls. Operative duration was greater in the prostatectomy group (56 vs 36 minutes, P < .0001) and more peritoneal tears occurred (40% vs 12%, P = .002). Duration of stay, return to activity, complications, and rates of recurrence and chronic pain were equivalent. When compared with prior prostatectomy patients who underwent open hernia repair, the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal group had equivalent rates of complications and outcomes with a faster return to activities of daily living (3 vs 7 days P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Despite a more difficult dissection, laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair in patients with prior prostatectomy is safe, efficacious, and efficient. In addition, totally extraperitoneal offers similar outcomes to open repair with a quicker recovery in this patient population.

Could we reduce adhesions to the intra-abdominal mesh in the first week? Experimental study with different methods of fixation

BACKGROUND

Adhesion formation is a major problem when a mesh is exposed to intraabodminal viscera, with potential severe complications (bowel occlusion, fistulas or abscesses). New methods for preventing adhesions from a polypropylene mesh placed intra-abdominally or to solve difficult situations, such as when the peritoneum cannot be closed during a TAPP repair for an inguinal hernia, are still being seeked. This study mimics in an animal model a situation that can be found in clinical practice during laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty. A polypropylene mesh could be exposed to the intra-abdominal cavity even when the peritoneum is closed due to different circumstances, with no options to guarantee the prosthetic material of being exposed to the intrabdominal viscera. Different options have been suggested to solve these situations, being proposed in this study to cover the visceral surface of the mesh with an absorbable sponge containing thrombin, fibrinogen, and clotting factors (Tachosil^®, Nycomed, Takeda, Osaka, Japan), to assess its use as a barrier to prevent postoperative adhesion formation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar white rats (300-450 mg) were included in this study as experimental animals, being randomized into three groups (A, B, and C). We performed a bilateral prosthetic repair with conventional polypropylene mesh (2 × 2 cm, 82 kD). Prosthesis fixation was performed as follows. Group A: absorbable suture; group B: metal staples; group C: metal tackers. A piece of insulating absorbable sponge (Tachosil^® 5 × 5 cm) was placed to cover the visceral surface of mesh placed at the right side of each animal. After 10 days, we performed a gross examination (by laparoscopy and laparotomy), measuring the quantity and the quality of the adhesions. Samples were taken for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Tachosil^®-treated prostheses showed a statistically significant decrease in the quality of the adhesion found (p < 0.05). In addition, a smaller quantity of adhesions was identified in barrier-treated animals, although this lacked statistical significance. The histologic analysis showed no significant differences: more edema with the untreated mesh and increased angiogenesis and a lower degree of necrosis in mesh covered with Tachosil^®.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of Tachosil^® as a barrier material led to the absence of strong adhesions as it prevented direct contact between the mesh and the internal organs, preventing major problems associated with strong adhesions.

What Are the Principles That Guide Behaviors in the Operating Room?: Creating a Framework to Define and Measure Performance

OBJECTIVE

To identify the core principles that guide expert intraoperative behaviors and to use these principles to develop a universal framework that defines intraoperative performance.

BACKGROUND

Surgical outcomes are associated with intraoperative cognitive skills. Yet, our understanding of factors that control intraoperative judgment and decision-making are limited. As a result, current methods for training and measuring performance are somewhat subjective-more task rather than procedure-oriented-and usually not standardized. They thus provide minimal insight into complex cognitive processes that are fundamental to patient safety.

METHODS

Cognitive task analyses for 6 diverse surgical procedures were performed using semistructured interviews and field observations to describe the thoughts, behaviors, and actions that characterize and guide expert performance. Verbal data were transcribed, supplemented with content from published literature, coded, thematically analyzed using grounded-theory by 4 independent reviewers, and synthesized into a list of items.

RESULTS

A conceptual framework was developed based on 42 semistructured interviews lasting 45 to 120 minutes, 5 expert panels and 51 field observations involving 35 experts, and 135 sources from the literature. Five domains of intraoperative performance were identified: psychomotor skills, declarative knowledge, advanced cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, and personal resourcefulness. Within the advanced cognitive skills domain, 21 themes were perceived to guide the behaviors of surgeons: 18 for surgical planning and error prevention, and 3 for error/injury recognition, rescue, and recovery. The application of these thought patterns was highly case-specific and variable amongst subspecialties, environments, and individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive definition of intraoperative expertise, with greater insight into the complex cognitive processes that seem to underlie optimal performance. This framework provides trainees and other nonexperts with the necessary information to use in deliberate practice and the creation of effective thought habits that characterize expert performance. It may help to identify gaps in performance, and to isolate root causes of surgical errors with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety.

Effect of peritoneal incision on immediate pain after inguinal hernia repair: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Hernia repair is a common surgical procedure, and postoperative pain is an inevitable result of hernia surgery. The prevention of postoperative pain is of considerable importance in terms of patient comfort and early discharge. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a peritoneal incision on pain in the early postoperative period.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

This was a prospective clinical study with 75 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Patients were divided into five groups: group 1: indirect hernia, Lichtenstein repair with peritoneal incision, group 2: indirect hernia, Lichtenstein repair without peritoneal incision, group 3: all hernias, trans-abdominal preperitoneal(TAPP) repair, group 4: all hernias, total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair, and group 5: direct hernia, Lichtenstein repair with no peritoneal incision. Groups were compared in terms of postoperative pain scores at three different times and complications.

RESULTS

There were 62 males and 13 females; their average age was 51.25 years. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were lower in groups 2, 4, and 5, and there were differences among groups and within each group according to VAS changes assessed at all time points (p < 0.05). There was no difference, according to VAS analysis, between open and laparoscopic surgery groups. There was a difference according to VAS changes in each group between hernia sides (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal incision is a significant risk factor for postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair. But, surgical procedure was not a risk factor although VAS scores were higher in open than laparoscopic surgery.

Chronic pain and quality of life (QoL) after transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) inguinal hernia repair using a totally extraperitoneal, parietalized, Polysoft ® memory ring patch : a series of 622 hernia repairs in 525 patients

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about both incidence of chronic pain and quality of life (QoL) after the transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) technique using a totally extraperitoneal, parietalized, memory ring patch.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 622 (428 unilateral and 194 bilateral) hernia repairs (HR) in 525 patients, 92 % had a postoperative clinical control. Thereafter, two sets of postal self-assessed questionnaires were sent.

RESULTS

A total of 531 HR were studied with a mean follow-up of 17 ± 8 months. Only one recurrence was detected. In 151 (28.4 %) HR the patients alleged various symptoms, but in only 10 (1.9 %) HR they considered their discomfort more bothersome than the hernia they had before, and in just 2 (0.4 %) HR they judged their result as bad (one patch removal for sepsis and one for hematoma). Only mild pain (including no painful discomfort such as a foreign body sensation) or moderate pain was frequent. Pain was self-graded as severe in four cases. None of them reported any regular consumption of antalgics. None of them judged their result as bad. Dysesthesia (numbness 19, paresthesia 20) mentioned in 39 HR (7 %), associated with pain in 16 HR, was said to be more bothersome than the hernia treated in just 3 HR (0.6 %). The results of the entire series were self-assessed as good or excellent in 97 % of the HR.

CONCLUSION

In our TIPP series, both the incidence of recurrences (0.2 %) and that of severe chronic pain (≤0.7 %) were very low, as well as patients' QoL was excellent. In our experience, the postoperative course was as painless as that of laparoscopic TEP we had been performing previously, but TIPP appeared more suited to day-case surgery.

Conversion to Stoppa procedure in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

The Stoppa technique for abdominal wall hernia repair was found to be an effective rescue procedure for difficulties arising during 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.

Unusual clinical presentation of a preperitoneal hernia following endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinoscrotal hernia repair

Breach of the peritoneal cavity during totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty is not an uncommon event. If left unclosed, it can potentially lead to bowel obstruction. Primary repair of such a defect can therefore be very beneficial to the patient, however it doesn't necessarily prevent it. I present the case of an incomplete small bowel obstruction following elective TEP repair of an inguinoscrotal hernia with primary closure of the divided hernia sac. The lesson learned from this patient is to remain suspicious of any unusual (even mild) post-operative abdominal symptom that could be the first sign of an early complication, especially when the initial repair was presumably satisfactory.

Total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair compared with Lichtenstein (the LEVEL-Trial): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This randomized controlled trial was designed to compare the most common technique for open mesh repair (Lichtenstein) with the currently preferred minimally invasive technique (total extra peritoneal, TEP) for the surgical correction of inguinal hernia.

METHODS

A total of 660 patients were randomized to Lichtenstein or TEP procedure. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, period until complete recovery, and quality of life (QOL). Recurrences, operating time, complications, chronic pain, and costs were secondary endpoints. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov and carries the ID: NCT00788554.

RESULTS

About 336 patients were randomized to TEP, and 324 to Lichtenstein repair. TEP was associated with less postoperative pain until 6 weeks postoperatively (P=0.01). Chronic pain was comparable (25% vs. 29%). Less impairment of inguinal sensibility was seen after TEP (7% vs. 30%, P=0.01). Mean operating time for a unilateral hernia with TEP was longer (54 vs. 49 minutes, P=0.03) but comparable for bilateral hernias. Incidence of adverse events during surgery was higher with TEP (5.8% vs. 1.6%, P<0.004), but postoperative complications (33% vs. 33%), hospital stay and QOL were similar. After TEP, patients had a faster recovery of daily activities (ADL) and less absence from work (P=0.01). After a mean follow-up of 49 months, recurrences (3.8% vs. 3.0%, P=0.64) and total costs (euro3.096 vs. euro3.198) were similar.

CONCLUSION

TEP procedure was associated with more adverse events during surgery but less postoperative pain, faster recovery of daily activities, quicker return to work, and less impairment of sensibility after 1 year. Recurrence rates and chronic pain were comparable. TEP is recommended in experienced hands.

An overview of the features influencing pain after inguinal hernia repair

Pain is a prominent issue in inguinal hernia repair research as its persisting appearance is a severe complication. The interest is also urged by the combination of a high number of repairs with an estimated risk for chronic postoperative pain of 11%. Almost every healthcare provider could encounter this complication. Pain is a complex study subject, mostly defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Various explanatory factors for pain following hernia repair have been reported. Most investigators, however, discuss only a few aspects. In the present review, these factors are collected to provide a more holistic synopsis of pain following hernia repair. It may be a resource for understanding this and other postsurgical pain.