The totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair

Objective: The aim of our work is attempt to expose the contribution of the totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair through the experience of our service. Material and methods: This is a prospective study involving 65 patients undergoing inguinal hernia between May 2009 and August 2011 using the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair and to assess the feasibility of this technique and compare it to other methods. Our judgment will focus on the surgical technique, intraoperative complications, the immediate aftermath and the result after three months. Results: All patients were male. The average age was 41.6 years. Operative time ranged from 41 min to 80 min with an average of 53 min. Intraoperative complications noted were the bleeding in 3 cases (4.6%) and peritoneal perforation in 7 cases (10.8%). Postoperative complications were represented by the inguinoscrotal ecchymosis in 2 cases (3%), chronic pain in 8 cases (12%) and recurrence in 2 cases (3%). Conclusion: The totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair represents today the best alternative technique for laparoscopic approach. The contribution of this minimally invasive surgery is indisputable in terms of pain, disability and cosmetic result.