Inguinal hernia orifice for specimen extraction after laparoscopic resections

Specimen extraction is an unavoidable step in all laparoscopic resections. To this day there is no standardized retrieval incision for each procedure and the choice is made individually, yet based on the surgeon's experience and preference. Additionally, worldwide prevalence of inguinal hernia is high and many patients with this condition require surgical intervention for a distinct reason. In these particular cases, the hernia orifice can be seeing as an opportunity, allowing specimen retrieval when an open repair is performed immediately after the laparoscopic resection. In the present article, the authors propose this new option. Three patients who underwent this technique are also presented. Discussion is focused on the advantages and critics of the approach.