Misra MC, Kumar S, Bansal VK. Total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair of inguinal hernia in the developing world: comparison of low-cost indigenous balloon dissection versus direct telescopic dissection: a prospective randomized controlled study.
Surg Endosc 2008;
22:1947-58. [PMID:
18437480 DOI:
10.1007/s00464-008-9897-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2007] [Revised: 01/27/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Creation of extraperitoneal space during TEP repair requires an expensive commercially available balloon.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Fifty-six patients suffering from uncomplicated primary unilateral or bilateral groin hernia were randomized into two groups; group 1--indigenous balloon dissection and group 2--direct telescopic dissection.
RESULTS
There were 55 males and 1 female, with an average age of 49 years; 50% of the inguinal hernias were bilateral. Creation of extraperitoneal space was considered as satisfactory in majority of patients (94.6%) with satisfactory anatomical delineation. Peritoneal breach was noticed during dissection in 36 (64.3%) patients. There was one (3.8%) conversion of TEP to TAPP in group 2. Distance between pubic symphysis to umbilicus was an important factor, which affected the easiness of dissection. In patients with this distance <or=14 cm lateral placement of ports was considered for easy use of graspers. The incidence of scrotal edema was significantly higher in group 2 as compared with group 1 (p < 0.01). Patients with indirect inguinal hernias in group 2 presented with a greater number of scrotal edema. Pain score on VAS at 6 h after surgery was significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.021). Patients with age <65 years, bilateral hernias, and indirect hernias had a correlation with higher pain score at 6 h. Of the patients, 17.9% developed seroma in group 1 versus 64.3% in group 2 (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Anatomical delineation of inguinal area and dissection in the extraperitoneal space in TEP repair was equally satisfactory with both low-cost indigenous balloon (group 1) and telescopic dissection (group 2). Balloon dissection was associated with significantly reduced postoperative pain at 6 h, scrotal edema, and seroma formation. However at 3 months follow-up balloon dissection did not offer significant advantage over direct telescopic dissection in the overall long-term outcome of TEP repairs. If balloon dissection is considered useful for the beginner, low-cost indigenous balloon may be used to avoid higher cost of commercially available balloon dissector with added early advantages.
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