Emergency replacement for damaged balloon dissector for laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

The purpose of this study was to find an effective and reasonable solution to replace damaged balloon dissector used in laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. The thumb of a surgical glove was used to repair torn balloon dissector for laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair. The new balloon presented an adequate tightness to perform the dissection of the extraperitoneal area without complication. Although the best way to replace a damaged balloon dissector is to replace it with a new one, this method may be taken into consideration in such a situation in which a new balloon dissector is not available.