Modified port positions for totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for groin hernias: our experience

Totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) is the preferred method of inguinal hernia repair for many surgeons worldwide. However, because of limited working space, there may be difficulties when operating on large and irreducible groin hernias and short stature patients. There are many ways in which the port positions can be modified during TEP for different kinds of hernias and according to the comfort of the surgeons.

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We describe two different variations in port placement for TEP in patients with large irreducible hernias and short stature patients.

A total of 19 procedures were performed with these port positions. Most of these were large irreducible hernias or patients with short stature. With these modified port positions, difficult hernias could be completed with extraperitoneal approach. We had no recurrence and 5 seromas that eventually settled in 1-3 months.

Modified port positions in TEP by shifting the ports farther away can be useful for hernias where the surgery is difficult due to limited working space and is a good alternative to TAPP.