A comparative study of single incision versus conventional laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Potential applications of single-incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

The totally preperitoneal (TPP) approach is a new concept that was recently introduced. Although the TPP approach combined with single-incision laparoscopic hernia repair has its own advantages, there is little evidence reflecting the characteristics and feasibility of either approach.

AIM

To analyze the potential applications of single-incision laparoscopic TPP (SIL-TPP) inguinal hernia hernioplasty for the treatment of inguinal hernias.

METHODS

A total of 152 SIL-TPP surgeries were performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from February 2019 to November 2022. A single-port, named Iconport, and standard laparoscopic instruments were used during the operation. Demographic data, intraoperative parameters and short-term postoperative outcomes were collected and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The demographic data of 152 patients underwent SIL-TPP were shown in Table 1. The average age was 49.5 years (range from 21 to 81 years). The average body mass index was 27.7 kg/m2 (range from 17.7 kg/m2 to 35.6 kg/m2). SIL-TPP were conducted successfully in 147 patients. Three patients were converted to the SIL-transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic herniorrhaphy at the initial stage of the study due to a lack of experience. In 2 patients with incisional hernias, an auxiliary operation hole was added during the SIL-TPP procedure, as required for surgery. The mean operative time was 64.5 minutes (range: 36.0-110.0 minutes) for unilateral direct and femoral hernias and 81.6 minutes for indirect hernias (range: 40.0-150.0 minutes). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.4 days.

CONCLUSION

SIL-TPP is feasible and has advantages for inguinal hernia repair. SIL-TPP has potential benefits for patients with various abdominal wall hernias. Consequently, doctors should be encouraged to actively apply the TPP approach combined with a single incision in their daily work.

Single-port versus traditional three-port laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A single-centre, prospective, randomised study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the efficacy and safety of single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) technique compared with the traditional three-port total extraperitoneal (TEP) technique for inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

This prospective, randomised study involved patients who underwent surgery for inguinal hernia at our hospital from December 2021 to July 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to SIL-TEP or TEP groups based on a computer-generated random number table. Perioperative clinical indicators for the surgical approaches were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 127 patients eligible for study, 66 were randomised to the SIL-TEP group and 61 to the TEP group. The operation time for SIL-TEP was significantly longer than for TEP but the time to return to normal activities was significantly shorter and short-term pain score was significantly lower. There were no differences between groups in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stays, pain relief time, hospitalization costs or cosmetic satisfaction scores.

CONCLUSION

While SIL-TEP is more challenging than TEP for hernia repair, we found that at our centre it is comparable with regard to overall safety and feasibility. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

TPP (totally preperitoneal) making single incision laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair more feasible: a comparison with single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TEP)

BACKGROUND

Totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (TPP) is a concept which was introduced for distinguishing with totally extraperitoneal (TEP). There is few evidence reflecting the single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal (SIL-TPP) characteristic. The aim of study is to demonstrate the feasibility of single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TPP) and compare the outcomes with the single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TEP) technique.

METHODS

During August 2018 and July 2022, 200 inguinal hernia patients received SIL-TPP and 56 patients received SIL-TEP in the First hospital of Ningbo university. The demographics, clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

SIL-TPP and SIL-TEP hernia repair were successfully conducted in all patients. There was no conversation happened in two group. Patients' demographics were comparable when compared between the two groups adding the comparison initial 52 cases analysis (P > 0.05). The mean unilateral hernia operative time was significant shorter in the SIL-TPP group than SIL-TEP group (unilateral: 81.38 ± 25.32 vs. 95.96 ± 28.54, P: 0.001). Further study of unilateral hernia operative time revealed the mean indirect hernia operative time was significant shorter in the SIL-TPP group than SIL-TEP group (indirect: 81.38 ± 25.33 vs. 95.87 ± 28.54, P: 0.001). The unilateral hernia operation time trend of initial 52 cases of two group analysis revealed the operation time of SIL-TPP reduced faster than SIL-TEP along with treating number increasing (Figs. 2 and 3). The comparison of initial equal quantity unilateral hernia patient mean operative time revealed the SIL-TPP group was significant shorter than SIL-TEP group (85.77 ± 22.76 vs. 95.87 ± 28.54, P: 0.049). The rate of peritoneum tearing of SIL-TPP group was significant high than SIL-TEP (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

SIL-TPP hernia repair is a superior procedure and possess its own distinguished advantages. We recommend it rather than SIL-TEP for treating inguinal hernia, especially for indirect hernia. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials comparing SIL-TPP and SIL-TEP are needed to confirm these results.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery transabdominal preperitoneal approach for recurrent inguinal hernia: A case series of long-term follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Laparoscopic surgery is recommended to treat recurrent inguinal hernia (IH). Single-incision laparoscopic surgery transabdominal pre-peritoneal (SILS-TAPP) has been an option for IH repair but few studies on the application of this method for recurrent IH was conducted. We aimed to report our experience of SILS-TAPP for recurrent IH and the long-term outcomes of this technique.

CASE PRESENTATION

Ten patients of recurrent IH, including three multiple recurrences, were successfully treated with SILS-TAPP. Previous surgeries were Bassini and Lichtenstein's procedures. No perioperative complications were observed; neither additional trocar nor conversion to open surgery was needed. Median operation time was 65 (range: 45-95) minutes. Post-operative pain lasted for two to three days. Neither long-term complications nor recurrence was seen until the median follow-up time of 37 (range: 16-53) months.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Although the surgical procedure of hernia repair of SILS-TAPP was the same as conventional TAPP, the manipulation of the instrument was technically challenging. This surgical method should be done by an SILS expert with application of several surgical tips to overcome difficulties adhering to single-port surgery. Also, meticulous and patient dissection of the inguinal site is suggested.

CONCLUSION

SILS-TAPP is safe and feasible to repair recurrent inguinal hernia. However, it should be done by experienced surgeons.

Single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TPP): Lessons learned from 102 procedures and initial experience

BACKGROUND

The abdominal wall in groin area is conventionally considered that it was comprised by 9 layers. Single incision laparoscopy totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TEP) reported before were operated through the front of the posterior rectus sheath.

METHOD

102 SIL-TPP were conducted from October 2018 to October 2020 at The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University using a self-made single-port device and standard laparoscopic instruments. Clinical data, demographic and intraoperative findings, and short-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 102 hernias treated, 46 were right inguinal hernias, 33 were left inguinal hernias and 23 were double-side inguinal hernias. All patients received the SIL-TPP and no conversion happened. The mean left-side and right-side hernia operative time was almost same. The left-side and right-side operative time were 75.48 ± 26.95 and 76.24 ± 26.09 minutes, respectively. The mean operative time was 75.92 ± 26.45 (range, 29-170 minutes) in unilateral inguinal hernia. Mean operative time was 104.17 ± 28.58 minutes (range, 67-180 minutes) in double-side inguinal hernia. The intraoperative complications rate was 21.57 (22/102) and all the complications were Peritoneum or sac tearing. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases (1 case wound seroma, 1 case urinary retension and 1 case upper respiratory infection) and were successfully treated conservatively. The mean hospital stay was 2.8646 ± 1.38 days. The 24 hours Visual analogue scale score was 2.28 ± 0.77. During follow-up to June 2022, no recurrence case occurred.

CONCLUSION

SIL-TPP is safe and feasible. SIL-TPP has its unique skills and advantages to treat inguinal hernia. Large-scale randomized controlled trials comparing SIL-TPP inguinal hernia repair with conventional single port and conventional three port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty with short-term outcome and long-term recurrence rate are needed to confirm these results.

Modified 2-port laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with Kirschner wire in children: A retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Pediatric inguinal hernia is one of the most common diseases in children, and laparoscopy is the main surgical method. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new modified 2-port laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with Kirschner wire (TLHK) for inguinal hernia in children.

METHODS

A total of 5304 children with inguinal hernia hospitalized at the Jiangmen Center Hospital from June 2003 to May 2016 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Four thousand one hundred thirty-five children underwent TLHK that comprised the observation group, while 1169 received single incision laparoscopy (SIL) as the control group (CG). A propensity score matched cohort study was conducted between these groups. We included all patients who were diagnosed as inguinal hernia and matched comparators with a proportion of 1:1. The propensity score was calculated using logistic regression with forward stepwise selection in 4 variables. The patients' operative details, intra- and postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay were analyzed. The follow-up lasted from 1 month to 2 years.

RESULTS

Among 5304 potential patients, the propensity score identified 270 (135 TLHK cases and 135 comparators) patients. The age, sex, body mass index, and the hernia type and location did not differ between CG and TLHK. TLHK group had a shorter operative time (unilateral: 17.4 ± 3.35 minutes vs 20.7 ± 3.71 minutes; bilateral: 20.4 ± 5.17 minutes vs 25.2 ± 5.43 minutes), less complications (2.10% vs 2.65%), lower recurrence rate (0% vs 4.44%), and similar hospital stay (2.3 ± 1.1 vs 2.1 ± 1.3) as compared with CG. No iliac vessel injury, spermatic cord vessels injury, vas deferens injury, or iatrogenic cryptorchidism occurred in either of the groups.

CONCLUSION

TLHK is a safe and feasible treatment for inguinal hernia in children due to less invasion and less recurrence rate than SIL.

Gasless single-incision laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: initial experience

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic hernioplasty has been gaining its popularity in the past decade for its rapid recovery. Single-incision surgery, as its possible advancement, has also received more attention. Traditional laparoscopic surgery with carbon dioxide insufflation precluded patients with underlying cardiovascular or pulmonary disease from minimal invasive surgery. We report our early experience with gasless single-incision laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair via totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach.

METHODS

Between 2010 and 2012, 15 consecutive patients underwent gasless laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by the same surgeon, using abdominal wall lifting technique with a self-tailored device. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative findings and postoperative outcomes were analyzed prospectively.

RESULTS

Of the 15 patients, all had unilateral hernia. Two presented with acute incarceration, in which one required bowel resection. There was no conversion to open surgery or insertion of additional ports. The median operating time was 80 min (range 51-130) for elective repair and 178 min (range 135-220) for emergency repair. The median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-6) with minimal requirement of analgesics. Median time taken to resume normal activity was 2 days (range 1-6). No major medical complications or mesh infection was encountered. One patient developed hematoma and was successfully managed by salvage laparoscopic reoperation. During a median follow-up of 54 months (range 38-60), none experienced recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Gasless single-incision TEP is feasible with favorable results, even in high-risk patients with compromised cardiorespiratory status. This technique can also be applied to emergency setting in patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia requiring bowel resection. Future large scale randomized study is needed to verify the effectiveness of this technique.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in inguinal hernia repair

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (IHR) offers the potential for excellent cosmetic outcomes and maximization of the inherent advantages of minimally invasive surgery. LESS IHR is associated with a steep learning curve, which is attributable to both the IHR technique itself and the single-site technique. The technical obstacles in the single-site technique may be mitigated by employing certain maneuvers and strategies that minimize clashing between instruments and improve freedom of movement. The current literature consistently points out the inherent challenges in LESS IHR, with its longer operative time compared to that of conventional laparoscopic IHR. LESS IHR performed by capable operators has comparable complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of recurrence as conventional laparoscopic IHR. LESS IHR is both feasible and safe. Given its excellent cosmetic outcome, it is likely to be sought by younger patients who are concerned with scar formation. The use of robotics may bypass the technical challenges in LESS, but cost considerations in their usage will likely persist.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty

PURPOSE

Additional studies comparing single-incision laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty (SILH) and conventional laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty (CLH) have been published, and this study updates the meta-analysis of this subject.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library electronic databases to locate original articles that compared SILH and CLH for inguinal hernia that were published until October 2015. Operative time, conversions, complications, length of hospital stay, recurrence, postoperative pain at 24 hours, and postoperative pain at 7 days were compared using Stata software, version 12.0.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were selected for this analysis, which included a total of 1672 patients (907 in SILH and 765 in CLH). SILH showed a longer operative time; however, conversions, complications, length of hospital stay, recurrence, postoperative pain at 24 hours, and postoperative pain at 7 days were similar between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis has shown that inguinal hernia repair using SILH is as safe as CLH. However, based on our evidence, we currently believe that SILH is not an efficacious surgical alternative to CLH for inguinal hernias due to the fact that it does not provide significant benefit in postoperative pain and cosmetic outcomes. However, large-scale, well-designed, and multicenter studies will be needed to further confirm the results of this study.

Safety and Efficacy of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair: Comparative Study with Conventional Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a common disease treated with diverse methods. Nowadays, laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach is gaining its validity and shows favorable outcomes. However, single-incision laparoscopic surgery is also widening its applicable fields as a new technique. This study aimed to find whether single-incision laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (SILTEP) is applicable compared to conventional laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair (CLTEP).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 120 cases of SILTEP and 60 cases of CLTEP in Yonsei University Severance Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. Each group was compared with patients' characteristics, operative details, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were no statistical difference in patient age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, hernia type, or location between SILTEP and CLTEP. In operative details, operation time (61.77 ± 16.48 minutes versus 77.83 ± 35.15 minutes, P = .001) was shorter in SILTEP. Postoperative complication rate has shown no statistical difference in SILTEP compared to CLTEP (n = 20, 16.7% versus n = 16, 26.7%, P = .114).

CONCLUSIONS

SILTEP is feasible and provides comparable postoperative outcomes compared to CLTEP. Although SILTEP has its own challenges for mastering the procedure, with some experiences, it is possible to operate as well as CLTEP.

Clinical outcomes of single incision laparoscopic surgery and conventional laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic surgery has been a frequently performed method for inguinal hernia repair. Studies have demonstrated that the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach is an appropriate choice for inguinal hernia repair. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was developed to improve the cosmetic effects of conventional laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SILS-TAPP compared with TAPP technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 148 patients who underwent TAPP or SILS-TAPP in our surgery clinic between December 2012 and January 2015 were enrolled. Data including patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and recurrence rate were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS:

In total, 60 SILS-TAPP and 88 TAPP procedures were performed in the study period. The two groups were similar in terms of gender, type of hernia, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score. The patients in the SILS-TAPP group were younger when compared the TAPP group. Port site hernia (PSH) rate was significantly high in the SILS-TAPP group, and all PSHs were recorded in patients with severe comorbidities. The mean operative time has no significant difference in two groups. All SILS procedures were completed successfully without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open repair. No intraoperative complication was recorded. There was no recurrence during the mean follow-up period of 15.2 ± 3.8 months.

CONCLUSION:

SILS TAPP for inguinal hernia repair seems to be a feasible, safe method, and is comparable with TAPP technique. However, randomized trials are required to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.

First 200 consecutive transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic TEPs

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic pre-peritoneal mesh repair (TEP) through single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) permits placement of a large mesh through a final millimetric umbilical scar. This prospective study evaluates the first 200 consecutive SILTEPs performed by a single surgeon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between November 2011 and September 2015, 200 consecutive SILTEPs were performed in 161 patients. The mean age was 49.8 ± 16.3 years and the mean BMI was 24.5 ± 3.4 kg/m². The technique involved one 11-mm trocar, one 10-mm 0° scope and curved reusable instruments. A supplementary 1.8-mm straight trocarless grasping forceps was percutaneously inserted for perioperative complications or difficulties.

RESULTS

A unilateral hernia repair was performed in 122 patients, and a bilateral repair in 39 patients. The total operative time was 57.4 ± 22.3 min, and pure laparoscopic time was 46.6 ± 21.6 min. There was no need for insertion of a supplementary 5-mm trocar, and the need for insertion of 1.8-mm trocarless grasper was 32.9%. Perioperative complications occurred in 73 patients. The mean final scar length was 15.3 ± 2.6 mm. The mean hospital stay was 1.0 ± 0.3 days. Postoperative complications at the access site affected 15 patients and at the hernia site 31 patients. After a mean follow-up of 25.4 ± 12.3 months, there was one asymptomatic, small incisional hernia at the access site as well as one reoperation for recurrent inguinal hernia at 16 months. No other late complications were registered.

CONCLUSION

Transumbilical SILTEP permits placement of a large mesh through a final millimetric scar. Getting over the learning curve in conventional multitrocar TEP is mandatory. As per our institute's algorithm, the contraindications continue to be giant inguino-scrotal, incarcerated and recurrent inguinal hernias.

Single-port versus conventional three-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) has been introduced for totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Clinically, however, the benefits of single-port TEP (SP TEP) are unclear. This study aimed to compare short-term surgical outcomes between SP TEP and conventional laparoscopic TEP(CL TEP) inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and February 2015, 99 men with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to the single-port or conventional 3-port TEP procedures. The primary end point was postoperative pain. Secondary end points were complications, postoperative hospital stay, days to return to daily normal activities, cosmesis, and quality of life (QOL).

RESULTS

We randomized 50 patients to SP TEP and 49 to CL TEP repair. The SP TEP group patients had significantly lower pain scores (visual analog scale) 7 days postoperation (p = 0.017). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative pain scores 24 h (p = 0.44) and 4 weeks (p = 0.677) after operation and analgesic requirements on the operation day (p = 0.303) and 7 days after the operation (p = 0.204). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were comparable between the two groups. The days to return to daily normal activities, QOL, and cosmetic satisfaction were not different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of SP TEP hernia repair for operation time and morbidities were comparable to CL TEP, and postoperative pain was lower at 7 days than in CL TEP hernia repair. The SP TEP technique can be recommended as an alternative treatment for inguinal hernia repair in experienced hands.

A systematic review comparing single-incision versus multi-incision laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair with mesh

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to evaluate whether the surgical outcomes differ between single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) versus multi-incision laparoscopic surgery (MILS) for the repair of inguinal hernia.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on published studies reporting the surgical outcomes following SILS versus MILS for inguinal hernia repair was undertaken using the principles of meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen comparative studies on 1651 patients evaluating the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing SILS versus MILS for inguinal hernia repair were systematically analysed. The post-operative recovery time was significantly quicker [odds ratio, -0.35 (CI, -0.57 - 0.14), p = 0.001] following SILS compared to MILS procedure. However, the statistical equivalence was seen in outcomes of length of hospital stay, operative time both for unilateral and bilateral hernias, post-operative pain score, one-week pain score, hernia recurrence [odds ratio, 1.24 (CI, 0.47-3.23), p = 0.66], conversion [odds ratio, 1.07 (CI, 0.37-3.12), p = 0.90], and post-operative complications [odds ratio, 0.95 (CI, 0.66-1.36, p = 0.78] between two approaches. The sub-group analysis of four included randomized, controlled trials showed similarities between outcomes following SILS and MILS except slightly higher postoperative pain score in MILS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SILS and MILS approaches of inguinal hernia repair are feasible, safe and can be offered to patients depending upon the availability of expertise and resources.