Efficacy of Single-incision Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair for Overweight or Obese Patients

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal repair in overweight or obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For outcome analyses, patients were subdivided by body mass index (BMI) as normal-weight (18.5≤BMI<25 kg/m), overweight (25≤BMI<30 kg/m) or obese (≥30 kg/m) and compared. RESULTS: In total, 201 patients were divided into a normal-weight group (n=152) and an overweight/obese group (n=49). Median operative time for unilateral hernia was 72 minutes in the normal-weight group and 95 minutes in the overweight/obese group (P<0.05). No significant differences in operative time for bilateral hernia, bleeding volume, peritoneal injury, conversion to a different procedure, postoperative hospital stay, follow-up duration, complications, or recurrence were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal repair, which offers good cosmetic outcomes, seems feasible and safe for overweight or obese patients, although the operation takes longer.