Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty under spinal anesthesia

Although endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) confers superior early outcomes compared to those of open repair, the requirement of general anesthesia has been held as an argument against the application of TEP by opponents of laparoscopic surgery. To date, the literature on TEP performed under spinal anesthesia remains scarce. The present study reports our early experience performing TEP under spinal anesthesia in selected patients who were medically unfit for general anesthesia.

Between March 2003 and March 2004, 6 male patients underwent attempted TEP under spinal anesthesia. Selection criteria for the procedure included reducibility of the inguinal hernia and concomitant medical conditions precluding general aesthesia, such as impaired lung function. Informed consent was obtained in all patients.

All patients were conscious and able to communicate verbally during the operation. TEP was successfully completed in 4 patients, with a mean operative time of 33 minutes. All 4 patients were asymptomatic and experienced no pain throughout the procedure. Conversion to open repair was required in 2 patients because of uncooperative movement in one, and inadequate neural blockade by spinal anesthesia in the other. Intraoperative cardiorespiratory parameters were stable in all patients. Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 1 patient. The mean length of follow-up exceeded 3 months, and no seroma or recurrence was detected clinically.

Successful performance of TEP under spinal anesthesia requires the combined efforts of an experienced anesthesiologist, a skilled surgeon, and a cooperative patient. Our initial experience of TEP under spinal anesthesia appeared promising. TEP under spinal anesthesia may have a role in selected patients who are medically unfit for general anesthesia but are otherwise suitable for TEP.