Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair Using ProGrip Self-Fixating Mesh: Technical Learning Curve and Mid-Term Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Hernia Repair

Background:

• Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has improved outcomes.
• Self-fixating mesh aims to further enhance these results.
• The ProGrip mesh is a novel self-fixating option for TAPP procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning curve for ProGrip self-fixating mesh in TAPP inguinal herniorrhaphy.
• To assess mid-term outcomes, including operative time, complications, and pain.
• To determine surgeon proficiency milestones with this new mesh technology.

Main Methods:

• An observational study of patients undergoing laparoscopic TAPP inguinal herniorrhaphy using ProGrip mesh.
• Data collected included time from mesh introduction to final position (MI-FP), surgical complications, and pain scores.
• Analysis focused on perioperative outcomes and learning curve progression over one year.

Main Results:

• Forty hernias were repaired in 29 patients.
• The average MI-FP significantly decreased from 249.4s to 118.6s after the initial 20 repairs (p < 0.001).
• Minor complications occurred in 13.8% of patients, with no major complications and low average pain scores (0.9/5).

Conclusions:

• Surgeons achieve proficiency with self-fixating mesh after 15-20 TAPP repairs.
• The ProGrip mesh demonstrates low intraoperative and mid-term postoperative complication rates.
• This technology offers a safe and effective option for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with reduced postoperative pain.