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Is minilaparoscopic inguinal hernia repair feasible? A preliminary experience
Emanuele Santoro1, Ferdinando Agresta, Pietro Aloisi
1Department of General and Laparoscopic Surgery, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Introduction:
Laparoscopy has rapidly emerged as the preferred surgical approach to a number of different diseases because it allows for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. It seems to be moving toward the use of mini-instruments (5 mm or less in diameter). The aim of this paper is to illustrate retrospectively the results of an initial experience of minilaparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (miniTAPP) repair of groin hernia defects performed at two institutions.
Materials And Methods:
Between February 2000 and December 2003, a total of 303 patients (mean age, 45 years) underwent a miniTAPP procedure: 213 patients (70.2%) were operated on bilaterally and 90 (28.7%) for a unilateral defect, with a total of 516 hernia defects repaired. The primary endpoint was the feasibility rate for miniTAPP. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of mini-TAPP-related complications.
Results:
No conversions to laparoscopy or an anterior open approach were required. There were no major complications, while minor complications ranged as high as 0.3%.
Conclusion:
While limited by its retrospective design, the present study indicates that the minilaparoscopic approach to groin hernia repair is safe and effective, making miniTAPP a challenging alternative to laparoscopy in the approach to groin hernia repair.
Insights
Minilaparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (miniTAPP) groin hernia repair is a safe and effective procedure. This initial experience shows miniTAPP is a viable alternative to standard laparoscopy for hernia defects.
Area of Science:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Laparoscopy is a preferred surgical approach for various diseases.
- Advancements include the use of mini-instruments (5 mm or less).
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate the initial experience with minilaparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (miniTAPP) repair of groin hernias.
- To assess the feasibility and complication rates of the miniTAPP procedure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 303 patients undergoing miniTAPP for groin hernia repair between 2000 and 2003.
- Total of 516 hernia defects repaired (303 patients).
Main Results:
- No conversions to open surgery or standard laparoscopy were needed.
- A low incidence of minor complications (0.3%) was observed, with no major complications.
Conclusions:
- Minilaparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (miniTAPP) repair is a safe and effective method for groin hernias.
- MiniTAPP presents a challenging and viable alternative to conventional laparoscopy for hernia repair.