Endoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy in 316 patients

The posterior approach for groin hernia repair as popularized by Stoppa and Nyhus is one of the most solid repairs available. It requires a larger incision than the anterior approach, which has limited its use to recurrent and bilateral hernias. The endoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy (EEPH) accomplishes a similar repair via three minute incisions. This study suggests that EEPH is at least as safe and efficient as the open preperitoneal repair. Three hundred sixteen male patients underwent 405 hernia repairs by an endoscopic extraperitoneal approach. Ages ranged from 18 to 82 years old. There were 204 indirect, 182 direct, 13 pantaloon, and six femoral hernias. Eighty-nine were bilateral and 42 were recurrent. All repairs were done using polypropylene mesh. Follow-up has been achieved in 89% of patients and ranged from 7 to 50 months, with a median of 25 months. Seven patients (2.2%) required conversion to an open approach. Five recurrences have developed to date. Complications (5.7%) have included urinary retention, bladder injury, groin and/or scrotal hematoma, trocar site infection, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neuralgia, and cardiac arrhythmia. Endoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy may provide an appropriate alternative to other methods of hernia repair when performed by experienced laparoscopists.