Hernioscopy: technique and indications

Hernioscopy is laparoscopy traversing a hernial sac used in the course of traditional treatment for groin hernia and it may be both diagnostic or therapeutic. The technique involves dissecting the hernial sac followed by incision, and the creation of a pouch into which a trocar is passed to permit laparoscopy. Once detected an abdominal lesion can also be treated laparoscopically: adhesiotomy, debridement, biopsy etc. The indications to this technique are: strangulated hernia after reduction of the intestinal loop; contralateral diagnosis of inguinal hernia in infants; hernias accompanied by abdominal pain or subocclusive syndromes. For surgeons who adopt the traditional approach to the treatment of groin hernias this technique represents an unexpected addition to their armoury.