Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Iterative Design and Manufacturing of a 3D-Printed Pediatric Open and Laparoscopic Integrated Simulator for Hernia Repair (POLISHeR)

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia is a common childhood pathology, making inguinal hernia repair (IHR) a key pediatric surgical procedure. Surgical success relies heavily on knowledge of groin anatomy, and both open and laparoscopic approaches require considerable repetition to master. As surgical simulators have been shown to improve performance for other surgical procedures, we developed a combined open and laparoscopic pediatric IHR simulator-named POLISHeR-to train residents, fellows, and practicing surgeons in both types of repair.

METHODS

A CT scan of a 7-year-old was scaled down to create a virtual 3D model of a 2-year-old using our validated protocol for anatomical modelling. Physical replicas of the pelvis, abdominal wall, aorta, and inferior vena cava were 3D-printed to create a life-size unisex base for open and laparoscopic IHR, while a small mobile unisex base was 3D-printed for open IHR. We recruited six experienced surgeons and trainees to pilot the face validity of POLISHeR.

RESULTS

After multiple iterations, we successfully developed a modular 3D-printed simulator for open and laparoscopic IHR. Printing the life-size base cost $331.69 USD, whereas the small base cost $17.54. An open modular cartridge cost $9.92 for females and $14.21 for males, whereas replacement parts cost under $1.30. A laparoscopic modular cartridge cost $6.16 for females and $10.91 for males, whereas replacement parts cost $0.28. Pilot study participants provided encouraging feedback with respect to POLISHER's face validity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our low-cost simulator holds promise for enhancing training for pediatric IHR. Our next step is to conduct validation trials for trainees and practicing surgeons in both well-resourced and resource-limited settings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

Comparison of Short-Term Results of Total Extraperitoneal Repair Using Balloon Dissection with Mesh Fixation Versus Telescopic Dissection Without Mesh Fixation

Background: Total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of inguinal hernia. In this study, one group with balloon dissection and mesh fixation was compared with another group that underwent telescopic dissection without mesh fixation. This study aims to compare both methods in terms of effectiveness, complications, pain scores, and clinical outcomes. Material and methods: This study is a retrospective evaluation of prospectively acquired data from patients in a single-center setting. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, who underwent balloon dissection with mesh fixation, and Group 2, who underwent direct telescopic dissection without mesh fixation. All operations were performed by the same surgical team. Predefined data for both groups were compared statistically. Results: Among the 115 patients, 66 (57.4%) were in Group 1 and 49 (42.6%) in Group 2. No significant difference was found between demographic characteristics and clinical features for two groups. Surgical times for unilateral and bilateral repairs were similar between the groups. Hospital stay duration was also comparable. The conversion rates to transabdominal preperitoneal were 4.5% in Group 1 and 8.2% in Group 2. Postoperative complications were similar between the groups. However, significant differences were found in pain scores, with Group 1 experiencing higher pain levels on the first day, after 1 week, and after 6 months compared to Group 2. Conclusion: Both balloon dissection with mesh fixation and direct telescopic dissection without mesh fixation are safe and effective techniques for TEP hernia repair with similar short-term outcomes. However, balloon dissection and mesh fixation may result in higher postoperative pain levels and incur higher costs. The choice of technique should be guided by available resources, surgeon experience, and patient-specific factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of both approaches.

Complicated Inguinocrural Hernias: Laparoscopic Vs. Open Surgery in the Emergency Setting

Introduction

The feasibility of laparoscopic treatment for inguinocrural-hernias (ICH) and its advantages over open techniques have already been demonstrated. Nonetheless, there is still no sufficient literature regarding laparoscopy for incarcerated or strangulated ICH in the emergency setting. Our primary outcome was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery (LS) for complicated ICH by comparing outcomes to open surgery (OS).

Methods

A comparative retrospective study with prospective case registry was conducted. All patients who underwent ICH repair due to complicated hernias from January 2003 to December 2023 were analyzed and divided into groups according to the approach during surgery: OS (by Lichtenstein technique) or LS (by transabdominal preperitoneal approach). Demographic variables, hernia size and type, surgical time, length of stay, recurrence and other morbidities were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 8282 ICH were operated in the studied period, out of which 162 were included in the study due to incarceration or strangulation. Of these, 83 were treated by OS, while 79 underwent LS. LS showed a reduction in surgical time (70 min IQR60-103 vs. 117 min IQR100-120; p 0.03), length of stay (1.9 days ± 1.4 vs. 2.9 days ± 3.1; p 0.01) and total morbidities (6.3% vs, 16.8%; p 0.04), with a similar recurrence rate (1.2% vs. 1.2%; p1) when compared to OS group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of complicated inguinocrural-hernias is a feasible and safe approach. It allows the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, including shorter surgical time, shorter length of stay and fewer postoperative morbidities, without increasing recurrence rate compared to open surgery.

Self-gripping mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: A comparative study about surgical time, post-operative pain and recurrence

INTRODUCTION

In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR), fixation means for meshes (FMMs) are commonly used to reduce hernia recurrence risk. Their use may result in post-operative pain (PP) and may even increase surgical time (ST). Recently, self-gripping meshes (SGMs) have been developed, which leave aside fixation devices; they could potentially reduce PP and even decrease ST. Our primary outcome was to compare ST, PP and recurrence rates in LIHR using SGM versus FMM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A comparative retrospective study with prospective case registry was conducted. All patients who underwent LIHR with transabdominal pre-peritoneal approach from January to December 2022 in a high-volume centre were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of mesh used in surgery (SGM vs. FMM). Demographic variables, hernia type and size, mesh type and size, ST, PP, recurrence and other morbidities were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 411 LIHRs were performed during the period, of which 283 were included in the study. Of these, 234 patients were repaired with FMM and 49 with SGM. ST had a statistically significant reduction in the SGM group (P = 0.0004) with a mean time of 58.9 min (±13.6), compared to 68.1 min (±18.9) for the FMM group. A trend towards lower PP in the SGM group was noted (P = 0.08). No recurrences were found in the SGM group with a median follow-up of 18 months (interquartile range: 3).

CONCLUSIONS

SGMs have proven to be a safe, efficient and fast for LIHR in our series. They are a feasible alternative for LIHR, reducing ST and potentially reducing PP. Prospective randomised trials are needed to confirm this trend, along with a longer follow-up period to determine potential advantages in terms of recurrences.

Single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TPP) for bilateral inguinal hernia repair: initial experience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to introduce and assess the safety and feasibility of single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TPP) for bilateral inguinal hernia repair.

METHOD

Forty-two SIL-TPP procedures for bilateral inguinal hernia repair were conducted from June 2018 to July 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University using standard laparoscopic instruments and a single-port device. Clinical data such as demographic intraoperative parameters and short-term postoperative outcomes were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

SIL-TPP was successful in 42 bilateral inguinal hernia patients, and no conversion occurred. Of these 42 patients, 38 were males and 4 were females. The average age was 57.4 ± 17 years. The participants' mean BMI was 22.67 ± 2.19 kg/m2 (range from 18.65 to 28.71 kg/m2). There were 4 types of bilateral hernias. The percentage of patients who underwent surgery before the SIL-TPP procedure in the same region was 21.43% (9/42). The mean operative time was 114 ± 34.24 min (range, 70-215 min). A total of 11 intraoperative complications occurred in 42 bilateral inguinal hernia patients, including unintentional peritoneum tears and hernia sac tears. No major complications occurred in the study. The postoperative complication rate was 2.38% (1/42). One patient experienced intestinal obstruction after the operation that resolved spontaneously without treatment. The surgical time in the SIL-TPP group decreased gradually as the number of operations increased. Moreover, the operation time trend decreased linearly (P < 0.0001, R²=0.42).

CONCLUSION

SIL-TPP is a safe and feasible procedure for treating bilateral inguinal hernias. The SIL-TPP procedure requires distinct skills and has specific advantages in treating bilateral hernias. Large-scale randomized controlled studies comparing SIL-TPP with conventional single-port and three-port laparoscopic TEP for bilateral inguinal hernia are needed to confirm these results.

Video Review Can Measure Surgical Robotic Skill Development in a Resident Robotic Hernia Curriculum: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Hernia repairs are one of the most common general surgery procedures and an essential part of training for general surgery residents. The widespread incorporation of robotic hernia repairs warrants the development of a procedure-specific robotic curriculum to assist novice surgeons in improving technical skills.

Objective

To evaluate a robotic hernia simulation-based curriculum for general surgery residents using video review.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of PGY-3 general surgery residents from the University of Chicago from 2019 to 2021. The residents completed inguinal hernia repair (IHR) and ventral hernia repair (VHR) drills as part of a robotic simulation curriculum. The drills were recorded and graded according to the modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) and time to completion. The drills were completed by 3 attending surgeons to establish gold-standard benchmarks.

Results

In total, 20 residents started the curriculum, 19 completed all IHR drills and 17 completed all VHR drills. Attending surgeon total OSATS scores and time to completion were significantly better than the trainees on the first attempt (P < 0.05). When comparing 1st to 4th attempt, resident OSATS scores improved significantly for IHR (15.5 vs 23.3; P < 0.001) and VHR (16.8 vs 23.3; P < 0.001). Time also improved over 4 attempts (IHR: 28.5 vs 20.5 minutes; P < 0.001 and VHR: 29.6 vs 21.2 minutes; P < 0.001). Residents achieved attending-level OSATS scores by their fourth attempt for VHR, but not for IHR. Residents did not achieve attending-level times for either hernia drills.

Conclusions

The robotic hernia curriculum improved resident performance on hernia repair drills and was well-received by the residents.

TAPP versus lichtenstein techniques for bilateral inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. However, very few studies report data on the laparoscopic advantages of bilateral inguinal hernia (BIH) repair over the open approach. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique with the open Lichtenstein repair technique (OLR) for the repair of BIH. A detailed literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for comparative studies between TAPP and OLR techniques for repair of BIH. RevMan Version 5.4 was used for data analysis. The Inverse Variance statistical method was used to analyze the primary outcomes and the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method was used to analyze the secondary outcomes. The effect measure was reported as a Risk Ratio. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the two groups. A significant difference was seen in duration of post-operative hospital stay, operative time, pain score on VAS criteria on post-operative Day 1, pain score on VAS criteria on post-operative Day 7, and complications, all in the favor of TAPP except for operative time which was in the favor of OLR. TAPP was found to be superior to OLR in terms of duration of post-operative hospital stay, pain scores on VAS criteria on post-operative days 1 and 7, and complications, whereas OLR was found superior only in terms of operative time. For recurrence, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Incidence of contralateral metachronous inguinal hernia on long term follow-up after unilateral inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The repair of inguinal hernias is a common surgical procedure. Some patients will need a second operation after developing a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH). The suggestion has been made to strengthen the contralateral side at the same time as primary unilateral surgery. In this systematic review we aim to determine how many adult patients with a unilateral inguinal hernia will develop a MCIH.

METHODS

This review was reported in line with PRISMA guidelines. We performed a literature review in PubMed Publisher, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library until May 2021, including articles reporting MCIH after unilateral inguinal hernia repair in adults. As outcome measure, the number of patients diagnosed with a MCIH was registered.

RESULTS

A total of 19 articles with a total of 277,288 patients were included. The combined estimate for MCIH after meta-analysis equaled 8.3% (95% CI 7.1%-9.5%), with a high index of heterogeneity (I2 = 97.9%). A random-effects meta-regression was performed to obtain the percentage of MCIH as a function of median follow-up time. The percentage of MCIH at 3, 5 and 10 years was estimated at 5.2%, 8.0% and 17.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that there is insufficient clinical evidence to support prophylactic contralateral repair in all patients. We propose a patient-specific approach in the decision to perform prophylactic repair, taking into account potential risk factors for hernia development, type of surgical approach, and general risk factors for chronic postoperative inguinal pain. More long-term prospective data are needed to guide the decision for prophylactic contralateral mesh placement.

Primary abandonment of the sac in the management of scrotal hernias: a dual-institution experience of short-term outcomes

PURPOSE

Management of scrotal hernias presents as a common challenge, with operative interventions to address these hernias associated with higher rates of morbidity compared to those of less-complex pathology. Surgeons have advocated for the use of techniques such as primary abandonment of the distal sac as a potential means to reduce complications for operative intervention, with preliminary findings demonstrating feasibility. We sought to assess outcomes related to primary sac abandonment among patients undergoing minimally invasive (MIS) repair of scrotal hernias.

METHODS

A review of prospectively maintained databases among two academic hernia centers was conducted to identify patients who underwent MIS inguinal hernia repairs with primary sac abandonment. Patient demographics, hernia risk factors, intraoperative factors, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Short-term outcomes related to patient-reported experiences and surgical-site occurrences requiring procedural intervention were queried.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven male patients [median age: 51.6 years; interquartile range (IQR): 45-65 years] underwent inguinal hernia repair with primary sac abandonment. Anatomic polypropylene mesh was used in 98.5% cases. Rates of postoperative complications were low and included postoperative urinary retention (6%), clinically identified or patient-reported seromas/hematomas within a 30-day follow-up period (23.9%), deep venous thrombosis (1.5%), and pelvic hematoma (1.5%). No seromas or hematomas necessitated procedural interventions, with resolution of symptoms within three months of their operation date.

CONCLUSION

We report a multi-center experience of patients managed with primary abandonment of the sac technique during repair of inguinoscrotal hernias. Utilization of this technique appears to be safe and reproducible with a low burden of short-term complications.

Comparing stapler and sutured mesh fixation techniques for laparoscopic TAPP repair: a study on chronic groin pain on 3-year follow-up

Trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repairs are the available surgeries for inguinal hernias, with both methods of laparoscopic repairs requiring mesh applications. This study analyzes the correlation between sutured versus stapler mesh fixation in a laparoscopic TAPP for unilateral groin hernia regarding chronic pain during 3-year follow-up. A total of 130 patients with laparoscopic hernia undergoing TAPP repair were randomized into 2 groups based on their fixation technique-one with sutures and the other with stapler. Postoperative complications and chronic groin pain were noted for each technique. Equal number of participants was present in the stapler and suture groups, with the majority having an ASA score of one. The mean age was 42.50 ± 13.86 years, and the body mass index (BMI) was 27.47 ± 5.88. The stapler group presented a shorter mean operative time than the suture group. However, the stapler group had a significantly higher mean VAS score than the suture group. Most participants in the suture group (89.2%) had LOS for 1 day, while a 2-day LOS was significantly higher in the stapler group (12.3%) than in the suture group (9.2%). No patient reported mesh erosion, conversion, recurrence, testicular atrophy, and mesh infection. Early postoperative pain was more in stapler group along with long hospital stay, but both were non-significant. Chronic postoperative pain results and recurrence incidences over 3-year follow-up were also similar. Re-admission rates were minimal, no significant complications occurred.

Risk of conversion after intended total extraperitoneal hernia repair for inguinal hernia depends on type of previous abdominal surgery

PURPOSE

Risk of total extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery (PLAS) is still debated. The present study was designed to assess the rate of conversion in TEP for inguinal hernia stratified by type of PLAS.

METHODS

Variables on patients undergoing TEP inguinal hernia repair at our center were prospectively collected between July 2012 and May 2018. Patients with PLAS were compared to patients without PLAS. Furthermore, the most frequent subtypes of PLAS were defined and TEP conversion rate was stratified according to type of PLAS.

RESULTS

A total of 1589 patients with TEP inguinal hernia repair were identified including 152 (9.6%) patients with PLAS. Operative time was increased in patients with PLAS (70 vs. 60 min, p < 0.001). Conversion from TEP to transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) or Lichtenstein open inguinal hernia repair was eight-times more frequent after PLAS (8% vs. 1%, p < 0.001). Considering type of PLAS, open appendectomy was most frequently encountered, followed by multiple PLAS and surgery to the bladder and prostate (53%, 11% and 10%). After stratification for type of PLAS, conversions were most frequently found after previous surgery to the bladder or prostate and after multiple PLAS (conversion rate of 20% and 24%, p < 0.001). In contrast, conversion rate after open appendectomy was not increased.

CONCLUSION

PLAS to the bladder and prostate is associated with TEP conversion. Selected patients might profit from a different operative approach for inguinal hernia repair.

Outpatient Surgery and Unplanned Overnight Admission in Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Population-based Study

PURPOSE

The use of outpatient surgery in inguinal hernia is heterogeneous despite clinical recommendations. This study aimed to analyze the utilization trend of outpatient surgery for bilateral inguinal hernia repair (BHIR) in Spain and identify the factors associated with outpatient surgery choice and unplanned overnight admission.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of patients undergoing BIHR from 2016 to 2021 was conducted. The clinical-administrative database of the Spanish Ministry of Health RAE-CMBD was used. Patient characteristics undergoing outpatient and inpatient surgery were compared. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with outpatient surgery choice and unplanned overnight admission.

RESULTS

A total of 30,940 RHIBs were performed; 63% were inpatient surgery, and 37% were outpatient surgery. The rate of outpatient surgery increased from 30% in 2016 to 41% in 2021 (p < 0.001). Higher rates of outpatient surgery were observed across hospitals with a higher number of cases per year (p < 0.001). Factors associated with outpatient surgery choice were: age under 65 years (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.92-2.11), hospital volume (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.47-1.72), primary hernia (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.71-2.08), and laparoscopic surgery (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.39-1.56). Comorbidities were negatively associated with outpatient surgery. Open surgery was associated (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09-1.47) with unplanned overnight admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient surgery for BHIR has increased in recent years but is still low. Older age and comorbidities were associated with lower rates of outpatient surgery. However, the laparoscopic repair was associated with increased outpatient surgery and lower unplanned overnight admission.

Comparing Robot-Assisted and Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical intervention. Advancements in minimally invasive techniques, specifically laparoscopic (LR) and robot-assisted (RR) approaches, have reshaped the landscape of surgical options. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair through a comprehensive review of the literature. A systematic search of databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to November 30, 2023. Fifteen studies, encompassing a total of 64,568 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Pooled estimates for key outcomes, including duration of operation, overall complications, and surgical site infection (SSI), were calculated using random-effects models. This meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery, favoring laparoscopic repair over robot-assisted techniques (mean difference: 26.85 minutes, 95% CI (1.16, 52.54)). Overall complications did not significantly differ between the two approaches (odds ratio: 1.54, 95% CI (0.83, 2.85)). However, a significantly greater risk of SSI was identified for robot-assisted procedures (odds ratio: 3.32, 95% CI (2.63, 4.19)). This meta-analysis provides insights into the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair. While laparoscopy has shorter operative times and comparable overall complication rates, the increased risk of SSI during robot-assisted procedures necessitates careful consideration in clinical decision-making. Surgeons and healthcare providers should weigh these findings according to patient characteristics, emphasizing a personalized approach to surgical decision-making. The evolving landscape of inguinal hernia repair warrants ongoing research to refine techniques and optimize outcomes for the benefit of patients undergoing these procedures.

Comparing Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal and Lichtenstein Mesh Repair for Inguinal Hernias: A Focus on Patient Outcomes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate post-operative outcomes by comparing factors such as post-operative pain, duration of hospitalization, time needed to resume normal and full activities, and complications between laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) and Lichtenstein tension-free mesh hernioplasty or repair (LMR) for inguinal hernias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted involving male patients undergoing either LMR or laparoscopic TEP mesh repair, with 30 patients in each group. The study assessed post-operative pain, duration of hospital stay, return to normal activities, and complications. Pain scores were monitored at regular intervals using a visual scale. Before discharge, patients' ability to perform self-care activities was evaluated using the Katz index of independence in activities of daily living. Outpatient follow-up was conducted on day 14, one month, three months, and six months post-surgery.

RESULTS

Post-operative pain scores were significantly higher among LMR patients compared to TEP patients until the 14th day post-surgery (p < 0.001). However, pain levels became comparable after that. There were no notable differences in pain scores between unilateral and bilateral hernias. TEP patients experienced significantly shorter hospital stays (p < 0.001) and quicker resumptions of self-care (p < 0.001), light work (p < 0.02), and full work (p < 0.03) compared to LMR patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic TEP repair offers advantages over Lichtenstein mesh repair in terms of reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery to normal activities. These findings can guide clinicians and patients in making informed decisions regarding hernia repair techniques.

Safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic adult groin hernia repair in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the recommended treatment of groin hernia, and laparoscopic approach is increasingly accepted due to lower risk of chronic pain. This systematic review aims to evaluate results of laparoscopic groin hernia repair (LGHR) in Africa.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of published studies using electronic databases. Included African articles reported at least one of outcomes after LGHR in adult population. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of the post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 19 studies from 6 countries which totalized 2329 hernia cases. Mean age was 44.5 years and male patients were predominant (sex-ratio 19.8). The mean operative time was 69.1 min. The pooled prevalence of conversion to open procedure was 2.578% (95% IC: 1.209-4.443). The pooled prevalence of surgical site infection and Hematoma/Seroma was respectively 0.626% (95%IC: 0.332-1.071) and 4.617% (95% IC: 2.990-6.577). The pooled prevalence of recurrence and chronic pain was respectively 2.410% (95% IC: 1.334-3.792) and 3.180% (95% IC: 1.435-5.580). We found that total morbidity for TAPP procedure was higher than TEP procedure (p = 0.0006; OR 1.8443).

CONCLUSION

These results confirm that LGHR is safe and feasible and would be recommended in our African context.

Laparoscopic versus robotic TAPP/TEP inguinal hernia repair: a multicenter, propensity score weighted study

PURPOSE

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess safety and comparative clinical effectiveness of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) and robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair (RIHR) from multi-institutional experience in Taiwan.

METHODS

Medical records from a total of eight hospitals were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Patients primarily diagnosed of inguinal hernia, recurrent inguinal hernia or incarceration groin hernia patients who either underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted inguinal hernia repair between January 2018 and December 2022 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, intra-operative and post-operative results were analyzed. To compare two cohorts, overlap weighting was employed to balance the significant inter-group differences. We also conducted subgroup analyses by state of a hernia (primary or recurrent/incarceration) and laterality (unilateral or bilateral) that indicated complexity of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1,080 patients who underwent minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair from 8 hospitals across Taiwan were collected. Following the application of inclusion criteria, there were 279 patients received RIHR and 763 patients received LIHR. In the baseline analysis, RIHR was more often performed in recurrent/incarceration (RIHR 18.6% vs LIHR 10.3%, p = 0.001) and bilateral cases (RIHR 81.4 vs LIHR 58.3, p < 0.001). Suturing was dominant mesh fixation method in RIHR (RIHR 81% vs LIHR 35.8%, p < 0.001). More overweight patients were treated with RIHR (RIHR 58.8% vs LIHR 48.9%, p = 0.006). After overlap weighting, there were no significant difference in intraoperative and post-operative complications between RIHR and LIHR. Reoperation and prescription rates of pain medication (opioid) were significantly lower in RIHR than LIHR in overall group comparison (reoperation: RIHR 0% vs. LIHR 2.9%, p = 0.016) (Opioid prescription: RIHR 3.34 mg vs LIHR 10.82 mg, p = 0.001) while operation time was significantly longer in RIHR (OR time: RIHR 155.27 min vs LIHR 95.30 min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world experience suggested that RIHR is a safe, and feasible option with comparable intra-operative and post-operative outcomes to LHIR. In our study, RIHR showed technical advantages in more complicated hernia cases with yielding to lower reoperation rates, and less opioid use.

Single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair in the treatment of adult female patients with inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND

Women have a 3% lifetime chance of developing an inguinal hernia, which is not as common in men. Due to its cosmetic benefits, single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (SIL-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair is becoming increasingly popular in the management of inguinal hernia in women. However, there are no studies comparing the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair with conventional laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (CL-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair for the treatment of inguinal hernia in women.

AIM

To compare the outcomes of SIL-TAPP and CL-TAPP repair in adult female patients with inguinal hernia and to estimate the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair in adult female inguinal hernia patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the clinical information and follow-up data of female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair and those who underwent CL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from February 2018 to December 2020 and assessed the long-term and short-term outcomes of both cohorts.

RESULTS

This study included 123 patients, with 71 undergoing SIL-TAPP repair and 52 undergoing CL-TAPP repair. The two cohorts of patients and inguinal hernia characteristics were similar, with no statistically meaningful difference. The rate of intraoperative inferior epigastric vessel injury was lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort (0, 0%) than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort (4, 7.7%) and was significantly different (P < 0.05). In addition, the median [interquartile range (IQR)] total hospitalization costs were significantly lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort [$3287 (3218-3325)] than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort [$3511 (3491-3599)]. Postoperatively, the occurrence rate of trocar site hernia was lower in the SIL-TAPP cohort (0, 0%) than in the CL-TAPP cohort (4, 7.7%), and the median (IQR) cosmetic score was significantly higher in the SIL-TAPP cohort [10 (10-10)] than in the CL-TAPP cohort [9 (9-10)].

CONCLUSION

SIL-TAPP repair did not increase the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications in female inguinal hernia patients. Moreover, female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair had a lower probability of trocar site hernia and inferior epigastric vessel injury than female inguinal hernia patients who underwent CL-TAPP repair. In addition, female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair reported a more aesthetically pleasing postoperative abdominal incision. Therefore, SIL-TAPP repair is a better option for the treatment of inguinal hernias in women.

Management of groin hernias in emergency setting: differences in indications and outcomes between laparoscopic and open approach. A single-center retrospective experience

PURPOSE

The use of minimally invasive groin hernia repair techniques in an emergency setting is still debated and its widespread is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique in the treatment of inguinal and femoral hernias in emergency setting based on our experience, comparing indications and outcomes with the open technique.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed including all patients with incarcerated and/or strangulated groin hernia who underwent emergency surgery from November 2019 to September 2022. Perioperative variables and short- and long-term outcomes were examined. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test for nominal variables and Student's t test for continuous ones. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included: 29 patients were treated with TAPP technique (Tapp group) and 37 with open technique plus diagnostic laparoscopy (Open group). Patients in the TAPP group were younger, had less severe clinical scenarios, and had a trend for lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, whereas ASA score and BMI were similar. The small bowel was more frequently herniated in the open group. Bilateral hernia repair was performed in 20.69% of patients in the Tapp group versus 0% in the Open group (p = 0.004). Bowel resection was more frequent in the open group (48.65% vs 0% of the Tapp group, p < 0.001) length of surgery was comparable in the two groups. In the Tapp group, the length of hospitalization was significantly shorter (2.59 ± 2.28 days vs. 9.08 ± 14.48 days; p = 0.023). Postoperative complications, according to Clavien-Dindo, were more severe in Open group where there were two deaths. There were no differences in the number of readmission and re-operations at 30 days and in the recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency repair of inguinal and femoral hernias using TAPP is a valuable option, safe and feasible in selected patients. In this series, indications for TAPP were reserved to younger patients with less comorbidities and less severe clinical scenario. Future randomized studies are needed to compare TAPP with open emergency hernia surgery in all settings. Potential advantages of TAPP are the reduction of postoperative complications, earlier recovery, and the possibility of bilateral treatment.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal herniorrhaphy performed using an articulating laparoscopic instrument is feasible and more efficient

Introduction

Ipsilateral left-sided-approach laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal herniorrhaphy (LA-TAPP) is a procedure used for inguinal hernia. However, conventional laparoscopic instruments may limit the operator's ability to approach certain areas during the procedure. This study aims to assess the feasibility of using an articulating bipolar grasper (ArtiSential®).

Material and methods

Between January 2017 and May 2022, 184 patients with inguinal hernia underwent LA-TAPP and were divided into an articulating group (AG) and a conventional group (CG). The two groups were compared for clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and recurrence rates. Learning curve analysis was also performed using the CUSUM score.

Results

The AG and CG included 72 and 112 patients, respectively. Both groups had similar age, sex, BMI, hernia location, and hernia type. The AG had a significantly shorter operation time (59.2 ± 29.4 vs. 77.8 ± 22.4 min, p < 0.001) than the CG. The duration of hospitalization was slightly shorter in the AG (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.056). Postoperative complications were lower in the AG (5.6%) than in the CG (9.8%). Scrotal neuralgic pain was observed in 1.4% of patients in the AG and 3.6% of patients in the CG. Learning curve analysis revealed that 24 cases were needed to overcome the learning curve for using an articulating device.

Conclusion

IP-TAPP with an articulating instrument is a safe and efficient procedure. The operation time can be reduced by improving the surgeon's procedural autonomy and reducing collisions between the instruments and the patient's ribs.

Cesena guidelines: WSES consensus statement on laparoscopic-first approach to general surgery emergencies and abdominal trauma

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy is widely adopted across nearly all surgical subspecialties in the elective setting. Initially finding indication in minor abdominal emergencies, it has gradually become the standard approach in the majority of elective general surgery procedures. Despite many technological advances and increasing acceptance, the laparoscopic approach remains underutilized in emergency general surgery and in abdominal trauma. Emergency laparotomy continues to carry a high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, there has been a growing interest from emergency and trauma surgeons in adopting minimally invasive surgery approaches in the acute surgical setting. The present position paper, supported by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), aims to provide a review of the literature to reach a consensus on the indications and benefits of a laparoscopic-first approach in patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery for general surgery emergencies or abdominal trauma.

METHODS

This position paper was developed according to the WSES methodology. A steering committee performed the literature review and drafted the position paper. An international panel of 54 experts then critically revised the manuscript and discussed it in detail, to develop a consensus on a position statement.

RESULTS

A total of 323 studies (systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized clinical trial, retrospective comparative cohort studies, case series) have been selected from an initial pool of 7409 studies. Evidence demonstrates several benefits of the laparoscopic approach in stable patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery for general surgical emergencies or abdominal trauma. The selection of a stable patient seems to be of paramount importance for a safe adoption of a laparoscopic approach. In hemodynamically stable patients, the laparoscopic approach was found to be safe, feasible and effective as a therapeutic tool or helpful to identify further management steps and needs, resulting in improved outcomes, regardless of conversion. Appropriate patient selection, surgeon experience and rigorous minimally invasive surgical training, remain crucial factors to increase the adoption of laparoscopy in emergency general surgery and abdominal trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

The WSES expert panel suggests laparoscopy as the first approach for stable patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery for general surgery emergencies and abdominal trauma.

Totally extraperitoneal repair of groin hernia in liver transplant patients: a case series study (TOHER)

PURPOSE

The present study aims to describe the feasibility and the postoperative results of groin hernia repair in liver transplant patients using a totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair approach.

METHODS

From May 2022 to March 2023, liver transplant patients with groin hernia underwent TEP groin hernia repair, by the single common senior experimented surgeon. Background information, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, health, and well-being were registered.

RESULTS

Thirteen TEP approach groin hernioplasties were performed in 10 patients, completing the procedure in all cases without the need for conversion either to open or transabdominal preperitoneal approaches. 70% of surgical explorations revealed multiple hernia defects: lateral hernias in all patients, medial defects in 62%, and femoral defects in 30.8%. Median hospital stay was 1 day [range (0.3)], with 30% treated as outpatients. Post-surgical complications occurred in 30% of cases: 1 hematoma and 2 seromas. Postoperative pain and physical functioning scored 100 (IQR 44) and 90 (IQR 15), respectively.

CONCLUSION

TEP groin hernioplasty is safe and feasible for liver transplant patients, with low complication rates, short hospital stays, and a significant proportion treated as outpatients. The posterior approach allows comprehensive repair of myopectineal defects, crucial due to associated hernial defects.

Lichtenstein versus TIPP versus TAPP versus TEP for primary inguinal hernia, a matched propensity score study on the French Club Hernie Registry

PURPOSE

Groin hernia repair is one of the most frequent operation performed worldwide. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is the most common and challenging complication after surgical repair with subsequent high socio-economic impact. The aim of this study was to compare the one-year CPIP rates between Lichtenstein, trans-inguinal pre-peritoneal (TIPP), trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair techniques on the French Hernia Registry.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2021, 15,161 primary groin hernia repairs with 1-year follow-up were available on the register. Using propensity score (PS) matching, matched pairs were formed. Each group was compared in pairs independently; Lichtenstein versus TIPP, TEP and TAPP, TIPP versus TEP and TAPP and finally TEP versus TAPP.

RESULTS

After PS matching analysis, Lichtenstein group showed disadvantage over TIPP, TAPP and TEP groups with significantly more CPIP at one year (15.2% vs 9.6%, p < 0.0001; 15.9% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.0001 and 16.1% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.002, respectively). The 1-year CPIP rates were similar comparing TIPP versus TAPP and TEP groups (9.3% vs 10.5%, p = 0.19 and 9.8% vs 11.8%, p = 0.05, respectively). There was significantly less CPIP rate after TAPP versus TEP repair (1.00% vs 11.9%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This register-based study confirms the higher CPIP risk after Lichtenstein repair compared to the pre-peritoneal repair techniques. TIPP leads to comparable CPIP rates than TAPP and TEP repairs.

The first experience with the Dextile anatomical mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

The Dextile Anatomical mesh (Medtronic) is a polypropylene heavyweight mesh and has a 3D patented anatomical shape which adapts to the contours of the extra-peritoneal inguinal region without the need for fixation, potentially reducing the risk of hernia recurrence and chronic post-operative pain. This retrospective study will be the first study to assess the outcomes of the Dextile Anatomical mesh compared to another three-dimensional mesh, the 3DMax mesh (Bard).

METHODS

Between 2019 and 2022, all patients who underwent an elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were assessed. 416 patients in the Dextile Anatomical mesh group and 540 patients in the 3DMax mesh group were included. Outcomes were intra- and post-operative complications, inguinal hernia recurrence and chronic post-operative inguinal pain.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding intra- and post-operative complications including wound infection, antibiotic use, hematoma, seroma, urinary retention and delayed wound healing. 1-year recurrence rate was comparable for the Dextile Anatomical mesh group and the 3DMax mesh group, respectively, 3.8% and 3.0%, P = 0.45. Chronic post-operative inguinal pain was similar for the Dextile Anatomical mesh (3.4%) and the 3DMax mesh (3.0%), P = 0.72.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study comparing the relatively new Dextile Anatomical mesh (Medtronic) with the 3D Max mesh (Bard) in unilateral inguinal hernia repair showed that both meshes are safe and effective to use. There were no significant differences in intra-operative outcomes, recurrence rates and chronic post-operative inguinal pain.

An international survey of 1014 hernia surgeons: outcome of GLACIER (global practice of inguinal hernia repair) study

INTRODUCTION

The practice of inguinal hernia repair varies internationally. The global practice of inguinal hernia repair study (GLACIER) aimed to capture these variations in open, laparoscopic, and robotic inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based survey was created on a web-based platform, and the link was shared on various social media platforms, personal e-mail network of authors, and e-mails to members of the endorsed organisations, which include British Hernia Society (BHS), The Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Society (TUGSS), and Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC).

RESULTS

A total of 1014 surgeons from 81 countries completed the survey. Open and laparoscopic approaches were preferred by 43% and 47% of participants, respectively. Transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair (TAPP) was the favoured minimally invasive approach. Bilateral and recurrent hernia following previous open repair were the most common indications for a minimally invasive procedure. Ninety-eight percent of the surgeons preferred repair with a mesh, and synthetic monofilament lightweight mesh with large pores was the most common choice. Lichtenstein repair was the most favoured open mesh repair technique (90%), while Shouldice repair was the favoured non-mesh repair technique. The risk of chronic groin pain was quoted as 5% after open repair and 1% after minimally invasive repair. Only 10% of surgeons preferred to perform an open repair using local anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified similarities and variations in practice internationally and some discrepancies in inguinal hernia repair compared to best practice guidelines, such as low rates of repair using local anaesthesia and the use of lightweight mesh for minimally invasive repair. It also identifies several key areas for future research, such as incidence, risk factors, and management of chronic groin pain after hernia surgery and the clinical and cost-effectiveness of robotic hernia surgery.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Approach in Emergent Inguinal Hernia: Our Experience and Review of Literature

There is currently no consensus or homogeneous recommendation about the role of the laparoscopic approach in emergent inguinal hernia surgery. The aim of this manuscript is showing our experience and results of laparoscopic approach for emergent groin hernia repair comparing with open approach. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database between January 2011 and December 2021 of acute incarcerated groin hernia that were operated at Virgen del Rocio University Hospital. In this period, they were identified 463 patients with groin hernia that required an emergency repair. 454 patients underwent open surgery (group 1) and 36 patients underwent laparoscopic approach (TAPP procedure) (group 2). Median length stay was 1 day in lap group and 2 days in open approach. Reintervention was necessary in 20 cases (4.40%) from group 1 and one (2.27%) from group 2. In laparoscopic approach, no mortality was described but in open approach, 10 patients (2.20%) died. Globally, 58 cases (12.77%) from group 1 and six patients (16.66%) from group 2 presented any complication. Wound infection was higher in group of open repairs (5.94% vs. 2.77%). Non-surgical complications were higher in open approach (19 vs. 0). There is no statistical significance in any of these items. Laparoscopic approach is a safe, feasible and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of incarcerated groin hernia that require emergency surgery, but prospective and randomized comparative studies are needed to establish the best approach.

Laparoscopic approach in emergency for the treatment of acute incarcerated groin hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive approach for acute incarcerated groin hernia repair is still debated. To clarify this debate, a literature review was performed.

METHODS

Search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, founding 28,183 articles.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles, and 433 patients were included (16 bilateral hernia, range 3-8). Three hundred and eighty-eight (75.3%) and 103 patients (22.9%) underwent transabdominal preperitoneal and totally extraperitoneal repair, respectively, and in 5 patients, the defect was buttressed with broad ligament (1.1%) (not specified in 3 patients). Herniated structures were resected in 48 cases (range 1-9). Intraoperative complications and conversion occurred in 4 (range 0-1) and 10 (range 0-3) patients, respectively. Mean operative time and hospital stay ranged between 50 and 147 min, and 2 and 7 days, respectively. Postoperative complications ranged between 1 and 19. Five studies compared laparoscopic and open approaches (163 and 235 patients). Herniated structures were resected in 19 (11.7%) and 42 cases (17.9%) for laparoscopic and open approach, respectively (p = 0.1191). Intraoperative complications and conversion occurred in one (0.6%) and 5 (2.1%) patients (p = 0.4077), and in two (1.2%) and 19 (8.1%) patients (p = 0.0023), in case of laparoscopic or open approach, respectively. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 94.4 ± 40.2 and 102.8 ± 43.7 min, and 4.8 ± 2.2 and 11 ± 3.1 days, in laparoscopic or open approach, respectively. Sixteen (9.8%) and 57 (24.3%) postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy seems to be a safe and feasible approach for the treatment of acute incarcerated groin hernia. Further studies are required for definitive conclusions.

Bilateral inguinal transabdominal pre-peritoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty associated to bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy in the same intervention: a feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Inguinal hernia and varicocele are common conditions in male population. Laparoscopy brings the opportunity to treat them simultaneously, through the same incision. However, there are different opinions about the risks for testicular perfusion of multiple procedures in the inguinal region. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of simultaneous laparoscopic procedures by studying clinical and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernioplasty using the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique with and without concomitant bilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy (VLB).

METHODS

a sample of 20 patients from the University Hospital of USP-SP with indirect inguinal hernia and varicocele with indication for surgical correction was selected. Patients were randomized into two groups, 10 undergoing TAPP (Group I) and 10 undergoing simultaneous TAPP and VLB (Group II). Data regarding total operative time, complications and postoperative pain was gathered and analyzed.

RESULTS

there was no statistical difference between groups regarding total operative time and postoperative pain. Only one complication (spermatic cord hematoma) was observed in Group I and no complications were observed in Group II.

CONCLUSIONS

simultaneous TAPP and VLB in was shown to be effective and safe, which provides a basis for conducting studies on larger scales.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: Experience of a Single Institute

Background: Minimally invasive techniques for inguinal herniorrhaphy have focused on developing the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) procedure to improve cosmesis. Outcomes of total extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy vary considerably because of being performed by different surgeons. We aimed to evaluate the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing the LESS-TEP approach for inguinal herniorrhaphy and to determine its overall safety and effectiveness. Methods: Data of 233 patients who underwent 288 laparoendoscopic single-site total extraperitoneal approach (LESS-TEP) herniorrhaphies at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2014 and July 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. We reviewed the experiences and results of LESS-TEP herniorrhaphy performed by a single surgeon (CHC) using homemade glove access and standard laparoscopic instruments with a 50 cm long 30° telescope. Results: Among 233 patients, 178 patients had unilateral hernias and 55 patients had bilateral hernias. About 32% (n = 57) of patients in the unilateral group and 29% (n = 16) of patients in the bilateral group were obese (body mass index ≥ 25). The mean operative time was 66 min for the unilateral group and 100 min for the bilateral group. Postoperative complications occurred in 27 (11%) cases, which were minor morbidities except for one mesh infection. Three (1.2%) cases were converted to open surgery. Comparison of the variables between obese and non-obese patients found no significant differences in operative times or postoperative complications. Conclusion: LESS-TEP herniorrhaphy is a safe and feasible operation with excellent cosmetic results and a low rate of complication, even in obese patients. Further large-scale prospective controlled studies and long-term analyses are needed to confirm these results.

A new approach to enter Retzius space in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the right-side approach to enter Retzius space in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal bilateral inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 189 patients who were diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernia preoperatively or intraoperatively and underwent selective TAPP in the General Surgery I Section of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from January 2015 to September 2020. 94 cases were performed using the right-side approach (research group), and 95 cases with conventional approach (control group). Intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the two groups were observed and compared.

RESULTS

All operation were completed successfully. The operative time of research group was significantly shorter than that of control group (128.8 ± 35.4 vs 144.1 ± 40.9 min, P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in postoperative hospital stay, VAS score on first postoperative day, incidence of seroma and hematoma, urinary retention and other complications (P > 0.05). None of the patients occured hernia recurrence, mesh infection, intestinal obstruction and other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The right-side approach to enter Retzius space is safe and feasible in TAPP surgery of bilateral inguinal hernia. Compared with the conventional approach, it can shorten the operative time and has certain advantages.

Differences in in-hospital outcomes and healthcare utilization for laparoscopic versus open approach for emergency inguinal hernia repair: a nationwide analysis

PURPOSE

There has been a growing debate of whether laparoscopic or open surgical techniques are superior for inguinal hernia repair. For incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernias, the laparoscopic approach remains controversial. This study aims to be the first nationwide analysis to compare clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes between laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in an emergency setting.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample was performed. All patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) and open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) between October 2015 and December 2019 were included. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes include post-operative complications, ICU admission, length of stay (LOS), and total admission cost. Two approaches were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression.

RESULTS

Between the years 2015 and 2019, 17,205 patients were included. Among these, 213 patients underwent LIHR and 16,992 underwent OIHR. No difference was observed between laparoscopic and open repair for mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.80, 95% CI [0.25, 2.61], p = 0.714). Additionally, there was no significant difference between groups for post-operative ICU admission (OR 1.11, 95% CI [0.74, 1.67], p = 0.614), post-operative complications (OR 1.09, 95% CI [0.76, 1.56], p = 0.647), LOS (mean difference [MD]: -0.02 days, 95% CI [- 0.56, 0.52], p = 0.934), or total admission cost (MD: $3,028.29, 95% CI [$- 110.94, $6167.53], p = 0.059).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is comparable to the open inguinal hernia repair with respect to low rates of morbidity, mortality as well as healthcare resource utilization.

Hernioplastia inguinal pré-peritoneal transabdominal bilateral e varicocelectomia laparoscópica bilateral na mesma intervenção: um estudo de viabilidade

RESUMO Introdução: hérnia inguinal e varicocele são doenças comuns na população masculina. O advento da laparoscopia traz a oportunidade de tratá-las simultaneamente, pelo mesmo acesso. Entretanto, existem divergências sobre os riscos para a perfusão testicular de múltiplos procedimentos na região inguinal. Neste estudo, avaliamos a viabilidade de procedimentos laparoscópicos simultâneos estudando resultados clínicos e cirúrgicos de pacientes submetidos à hernioplastia inguinal bilateral pela técnica transabdominal préperitoneal (TAPP) com e sem varicocelectomia laparoscópica bilateral (VLB) concomitante. Métodos: uma amostra de 20 pacientes do Hospital Universitário da USP-SP com hérnia inguinal indireta e varicocele com indicação de correção cirúrgica foi selecionada. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos, sendo 10 submetidos à TAPP (Grupo I) e 10 submetidos à TAPP e VLB simultâneas (Grupo II). O tempo operatório total, complicações e dor pós-operatória foram coletados e analisados. Resultados: não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos com relação ao tempo operatório total e à dor pós-operatória. Apenas uma complicação (hematoma do cordão espermático) foi observada no Grupo I e não foram observadas complicações no Grupo II. Conclusões: no mesmo procedimento, submeter pacientes à TAPP e à VLB no mesmo procedimento se mostrou eficaz e seguro, o que fornece embasamento para a realização de estudos em maiores escalas.

Learning curve of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has a long learning curve. It can be a technically challenging procedure and initially presents an unfamiliar view of inguinal anatomy. The aim of this review was to evaluate published literature relating to the learning curve of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and identify the number of cases required for proficiency. The secondary aim was to compare outcomes between surgeons before and after this learning curve threshold had been attained.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to identify studies that evaluated the learning curve of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. A meta-regression analysis was undertaken to identify the number of cases to achieve surgical proficiency, and a meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes between cases that were undertaken during a surgeon's learning phase and experienced phase of the curve.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included in this review, with 19 studies included in the meta-regression analysis, and 11 studies included in the meta-analysis. Mixed-effects Poisson regression demonstrated that there was a non-linear trend in the number of cases required to achieve surgical proficiency, with a 2.7% year-on-year decrease. The predicted number of cases to achieve surgical proficiency in 2020 was 32.5 (p < 0.01). The meta-analysis determined that surgeons in their learning phase may experience a higher rate of conversions to open (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.65, 11.88), postoperative complications (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.07, 2.42), and recurrences (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.40, 4.30).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has a well-defined learning curve. While learning surgeons demonstrated reasonable outcomes, supervision during this period may be appropriate given the increased risk of conversion to open surgery. These data may benefit learning surgeons in the skill development of minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs.

Single incision laparoscopic totally preperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TPP): Lessons learned from 102 procedures and initial experience

BACKGROUND

The abdominal wall in groin area is conventionally considered that it was comprised by 9 layers. Single incision laparoscopy totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (SIL-TEP) reported before were operated through the front of the posterior rectus sheath.

METHOD

102 SIL-TPP were conducted from October 2018 to October 2020 at The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University using a self-made single-port device and standard laparoscopic instruments. Clinical data, demographic and intraoperative findings, and short-term postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 102 hernias treated, 46 were right inguinal hernias, 33 were left inguinal hernias and 23 were double-side inguinal hernias. All patients received the SIL-TPP and no conversion happened. The mean left-side and right-side hernia operative time was almost same. The left-side and right-side operative time were 75.48 ± 26.95 and 76.24 ± 26.09 minutes, respectively. The mean operative time was 75.92 ± 26.45 (range, 29-170 minutes) in unilateral inguinal hernia. Mean operative time was 104.17 ± 28.58 minutes (range, 67-180 minutes) in double-side inguinal hernia. The intraoperative complications rate was 21.57 (22/102) and all the complications were Peritoneum or sac tearing. Postoperative complications occurred in 3 cases (1 case wound seroma, 1 case urinary retension and 1 case upper respiratory infection) and were successfully treated conservatively. The mean hospital stay was 2.8646 ± 1.38 days. The 24 hours Visual analogue scale score was 2.28 ± 0.77. During follow-up to June 2022, no recurrence case occurred.

CONCLUSION

SIL-TPP is safe and feasible. SIL-TPP has its unique skills and advantages to treat inguinal hernia. Large-scale randomized controlled trials comparing SIL-TPP inguinal hernia repair with conventional single port and conventional three port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty with short-term outcome and long-term recurrence rate are needed to confirm these results.

Increasing volume but declining resident autonomy in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: an inverse relationship

INTRODUCTION

With improved technology and technique, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) has become a valid option for repairing both initial and recurrent inguinal hernia. Surgical residents must learn both techniques to prepare for future practice. We examined resident operative autonomy between LIHR and open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) across the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

METHODS

Utilizing the VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we examined inguinal hernia repairs based on the principal procedure code at all teaching VA hospitals from July 2004 to September 2019. All VA cases are coded for level of supervision at the time of surgery: attending primary surgeon (AP); attending scrubbed but resident is a primary surgeon (AR), and resident primary with attending supervising but not scrubbed (RP). Primary outcomes were the proportion of LIHR versus OIHR and resident autonomy over time.

RESULTS

A total of 127,497 hernia repair cases were examined (106,892 OIHR and 20,605 LIHR). There was a higher proportion of RP (8.7% vs 2.2%) and lower proportion of AP (23.9% vs 28.4%) within OIHR compared to LIHR (p < 0.001). The overall proportion of LIHR repairs increased from 9 to 28% (p < 0.001). RP cases decreased for LIHR from 9 to 1% and for OIHR from 17 to 4%, while AP cases increased for LIHR from 16 to 42% and for OIHR from 18 to 30% (all p < 0.001). For RP cases, mortality (0 vs 0.2%, p > 0.99) and complication rates (1.1% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.35) were no different.

CONCLUSIONS

LIHR at VA hospitals has tripled over the past 15 years, now compromising nearly one-third of all inguinal hernia repairs; the majority are initial hernias. Despite this increase, resident autonomy in LIHR cases declined alarmingly. The results demonstrate an urgent need to integrate enhanced minimally invasive training into a general surgery curriculum to prepare residents for future independent practice.

Comparison of laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in adults: A retrospective cohort study using a medical claims database

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate and compare the surgical complications following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) with those following open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study based on nationwide claims data. We extracted the data of patients aged ≥20 years who underwent inguinal hernia repair (IHR) between 2009 and 2020. The primary outcome was postoperative complications of IHR, and the secondary outcomes were recurrence of hernia and length of hospital stay. Patient characteristics were adjusted with propensity score (PS) matching, the annual proportions of LIHR versus OIHR were summarized, and the surgical outcomes of each IHR were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 15 728 eligible patients, 6512 underwent LIHR. The proportion of LIHR increased from 14.7% to 52.8% annually during the study period. From the analysis of 6060 pairs created by PS matching, the risk of surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.86; P = .0007), and acute postoperative pain (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.60-0.79; P < .0001), and chronic postoperative pain (OR 0.83; 95% CI 0.70-0.98; P = .0291) were significantly lower with LIHR than with OIHR. The recurrent rate was not significantly different between the LIHR and OIHR groups (OR, 0.68; 95% CI 0.45-1.01; P = .0558). Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the length of hospital stay between the LIHR and OIHR groups (2.91 ± 1.94 days vs 2.97 ± 2.61 days, difference ± SE: 0.06 ± 0.04, P = .1307).

CONCLUSION

LIHR might be superior to OIHR in terms of fewer surgical complications and might be preferred over OIHR in the future.

[Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of strangulated groin hernia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the possibility of totally extraperitoneal repair combined with diagnostic laparoscopy in the treatment of strangulated groin hernias (Laparoscopy-Assisted Totally Extraperitoneal Plasty, LATEP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed the results of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair. The trocar placement technique was modified. There were 38 patients with strangulated groin hernia. The sample included 26 patients with strangulated inguinal hernia, 9 ones with strangulated femoral hernia and 3 patients with recurrent strangulated inguinal hernia.

RESULTS

LATEP was attempted in 38 patients and successful in 37 (97.3%) cases. In 1 (2.6%) patient, correction of small bowel strangulation was failed and conversion to open surgery was required. In 29 patients (76.3%), correction of strangulation was performed after laparoscopy-assisted external manipulations and careful traction from abdominal cavity. In 8 (21%) cases, strangulation spontaneously regressed before laparoscopy. Laparoscopy confirmed viability of strangulated organs in 36 patients. One (2.6%) patient required bowel resection due to small intestine wall necrosis. Later, all patients underwent totally extraperitoneal repair. We were able to prevent the contact of hernia sac fluid with the implant in all cases. At the stage of preperitoneal repair, local damage to peritoneum occurred in 9 patients. Nevertheless, sealing was not required since hernia fluid was previously removed from abdominal cavity. There were no signs of implant infection and hernia recurrence within 6-14 months.

CONCLUSION

Totally extraperitoneal repair combined with diagnostic laparoscopy is possible for strangulated groin hernias.

Outcomes after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair in the emergency

Introduction:

Laparoscopic repair of groin hernia (LRGH) is widely accepted for elective cases, but its use in emergency cases remains controversial. We aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between elective and emergent transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repairs.

Materials and Methods:

Patients undergoing emergent LRGH (EM-LR) using a TAPP technique between June 2014 and December 2019 were included for analysis. A case-control cohort of patients undergoing elective LRGH (EL-LR) in the same period was identified and matched (1:3) on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, active smoking, and hypertension. Preoperative variables and postoperative outcomes were compared between both groups.

Results:

A total of 15 EM-LR were matched with 45 EL-LR. In patients undergoing EM-LR, the median time from onset of symptoms to surgery was 12 (1–168) h. No differences were found regarding the operative time (EM-LR: 107 min vs. EL-LR: 117 min, P = 0.37) and hernia defect size (EM-LR: 3.6 cm vs. EL-LR: 4.1 cm, P = 0.48). Although small bowel obstruction was observed in all emergent cases, no patients required enterectomy. Emergent cases were performed more frequently by specialist surgeons (EM-LR: 87% vs. EL-LR: 24%, P < 0.001). Mean hospital stay was 3.1 and 0.3 days after EM-LR and EL-LR, respectively (P < 0.001). Overall 30-day morbidity was similar between groups (EM-LR: 6.6% vs. EL-LR: 4.4%, P = 0.43). After a mean follow-up of 28.2 months, no recurrence was observed.

Conclusion:

EM-LR had similar overall morbidity and recurrence rates than elective repairs. Prompted surgical exploration and use of laparoscopy should be encouraged for the management of complicated inguinal hernias.

Open versus laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia: an overview of systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials

Background

Inguinal hernia has a lifetime incidence of 27% in men and 3% in women. Surgery is the recommended treatment, but there is no consensus on the best method. Open repair is most popular, but there are concerns about the risk of chronic groin pain. Laparoscopic repair is increasingly accepted due to the lower risk of chronic pain, although its recurrence rate is still unclear. The aim of this overview is to compare the risk of recurrence and chronic groin pain in laparoscopic versus open repair for inguinal hernia.

Methods

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Only reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults published in English were included. Conference proceedings and editorials were excluded. The quality of the systematic reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 checklist. Two outcomes were considered: hernia recurrence and chronic pain.

Results

Twenty-one systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. Laparoscopic repair was associated with a lower risk of chronic groin pain compared with open repair. In the four systematic reviews assessing any laparoscopic versus any open repairs, laparoscopic repair was associated with a statistically significant (range: 26–46%) reduction in the odds or risk of chronic pain. Most reviews showed no difference in recurrence rates between laparoscopic and open repairs, regardless of the types of repair considered or the types of hernia that were studied, but most reviews had wide confidence intervals and we cannot rule out clinically important effects favouring either type of repair.

Conclusion

Meta-analyses suggest that laparoscopic repairs have a lower incidence of chronic groin pain than open repair, but there is no evidence of differences in recurrence rates between laparoscopic and open repairs.

Risk assessment and optimization strategies to reduce perioperative respiratory adverse events in pediatric anesthesia-Part 1 patient and surgical factors

Pediatric surgery cases are increasing worldwide. Within pediatric anesthesia, perioperative respiratory adverse events are the most common precipitant leading to serious complications. They can have intraoperative impact on the surgical procedure itself, lead to premature case termination and in addition may have postoperative impact resulting in longer hospitalization stays and costs. Although most perioperative respiratory adverse events can be promptly detected and managed, and will not lead to any sequelae, the risk of life-threatening progression remains. The incidence of respiratory adverse events increases in children with comorbid respiratory and/or nonrespiratory illnesses. Optimized perioperative patient care, risk-stratified care level choice, and practitioners with appropriate training allow for risk mitigation. This review will discuss patient and surgical risk factors with a focus on common patient comorbid illnesses and review scoring systems to quantify risk.

Comparison between TAPP & Lichtenstein techniques for inguinal hernia repair: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Worldwide, inguinal hernia repair is one of the commonest surgeries. The best treatment option to primary hernia has been investigated, but there still remains lack of evidence about the ideal approach. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of inguinal hernia repair using transabdominal preperitoneal procedure (TAPP) & Lichtenstein techniques.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, conducted at Department of General & Minimal Invasive Surgery, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Srinagar. For performing the analysis, we used SPSS. Continuous variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation, and the categorical ones were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included (30 in each group). The mean age of the patients in both groups was around 54 years, and all patients were males. In unilateral cases the operating time was greater in the TAPP group than the Lichtenstein group (p < 0.001); however, in the bilateral cases, the operating time was significantly greater in the Lichtenstein than the TAPP group (p = 0.003). The pain scores, in unilateral cases, were significantly lower in the TAPP group than the Lichtenstein group (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate in the TAPP group was 6.7% while in the Lichtenstein group it was at 23.3%. In unilateral and bilateral cases, the patients significantly returned to work earlier in the TAPP group than those in the Lichtenstein group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

TAPP and Lichtenstein techniques are both safe and reliable techniques for inguinal hernia repair. However, TAPP repair showed lesser post-operative pain, earlier discharge from the hospital, earlier return to usual activities, better cosmetic outcomes, and less persisting pain. However, there was no significant difference in the complication rate and TAPP repair was more costly for the patient.

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In unilateral inguinal hernia, operating time was significantly greater in TAPP group.

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In bilateral hernia, operating time was significantly greater in Lichtenstein group.

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In all cases, pain was significantly lower with TAPP than Lichtenstein groups.

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The overall complication rate was not significant between the two groups.

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Occult hernias on the opposite side could be identified in the TAPP group.

Extended View Totally Extraperitoneal Technique and Its Advantages in Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

Objective: Endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) is used increasingly in inguinal hernias. Perhaps the most fundamental difficulty of the classical TEP method is that the dissection plan it offers is overly limited, which is among the reasons why techniques other than TEP are preferred in large scrotal hernias. This study discusses our experience with the extended view totally extraperitoneal (e-TEP) method, which significantly expands the dissection plan compared to the classical method. Methods: Patients who had inguinal hernia surgery in 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, and 21 male patients with L3 inguinal hernia by European Hernia Society classification, who underwent laparoscopic e-TEP surgery, were included in the study. Patient data were obtained from the hospital's electronic database and patient files. One year after the surgery, the patients were invited to the hospital by telephone and re-examined. Results: The median patient age was 47 years. The mean duration of surgery was 43.6 minutes, and the median postoperatively pain score in the first 24 hours was 1.975. Zig maneuver was performed in 85.7%, and drains were placed in 33.4% of patients. In 28.6% of patients, the peritoneal violation occurred. However, there was no conversion to another surgical technique. The mean length of stay was 1.33 days. Two patients had seroma, one had scrotal edema, and one had urinary retention. No recurrence was observed in any patient during the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: According to our experience, the e-TEP technique can be safely performed in scrotal hernias as it offers a larger dissection plane. It also allows patients with large scrotal hernias to benefit from all the advantages of the TEP technique.

First experience of junior surgeon with laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy: Comparison with experienced surgeon in single institution

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy is among the current leading inguinal hernia repair methods. This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of a junior surgeon's first experience with laparoscopic TEP herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed between January 2017 and December 2019 to analyze the medical records of patients with inguinal hernia who underwent laparoscopic TEP herniorrhaphy. The operative outcomes and complications of patients undergoing surgery by an experienced surgeon (group A, n = 100) were compared with those undergoing surgery by a junior surgeon (group B, n = 100).

RESULTS

The mean operative time for group B was significantly longer than that for group A (52.0 ± 15.1 min vs 60.1 ± 17.4 min; P = 0.03). A statistical difference was also found in the mean postoperative stay (1.1 ± 0.3 d vs 1.4 ± 0.7 d; P = 0.02) between the two groups. There were 2 and 3 cases of recurrence in these two groups respectively (P = 0.72). Considering the operating time as a variable of learning curve, significant stabilization can be achieved after 30 cases (67.3 ± 17.8 min vs 53.1 ± 11.1 min; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical outcomes of laparoscopic TEP herniorrhaphy performed by a well-trained junior surgeon were similar to the outcomes of an experience surgeon.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair performed by surgical trainees: Overcoming the learning curve

BACKGROUND

Surgical trainees struggle to obtain experience in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) due to a perceived steep learning curve. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair performed by surgical consultants and trainees under supervision as part of a standardised training regimen to assess the safety of residency training in this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients managed by TEP repair by either a consultant or a supervised trainee was performed. Demographic, perioperative and postoperative data were collected and compared. All trainees underwent a standardised approach to teaching TEP repair.

RESULTS

Trainees performed 133 procedures and consultants performed 121 procedures. Estimated blood loss was minimal in both cohorts. A significant difference was noted in mean operating time between consultants and trainees (33 vs. 50 min). However, it was also observed that the trainee mean operating time reduced significantly with experience (from 61 to 42 min). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated in postoperative complications, recurrence rate or length of stay. All trainees achieved the ability to complete a laparoscopic TEP repair under unscrubbed consultant supervision during a 1-year placement.

CONCLUSION

With senior supervision and in the presence of a structured training regimen, trainees can safely and effectively perform LIHR, progressing to performing the procedure under unscrubbed consultant supervision. This is valuable information that can serve to inform the structure and direction of surgical training programmes as the ability to offer LIHR is increasingly becoming an expectation of consultant surgeons.

Meta-Analysis of Spinal Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia During Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Repair of Inguinal Hernia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate comparative outcomes of spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) during laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN Register, and bibliographic reference lists. We applied a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary search adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators and limits in each of the above databases. Postoperative pain assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS), individual and overall perioperative morbidity, procedure time and time taken to normal activities, were the outcome parameters. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models.

RESULTS

We identified 5 comparative studies reporting a total of 1518 patients (2134 hernia) evaluating outcomes of laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair under SA (n=1277 patients, 1877 hernia) or GA (n=241 patients, 257 hernia). SA was associated with significantly lower post-operative pain assessed by VAS at 12 hours [mean difference (MD): -0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.45 to -0.20; P<0.0001] and shorter time to normal activities (MD: -0.30; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.11; P=0.002) compared with GA. However, it significantly increased risk of urinary retention [odds ratio (OR): 4.02; 95% CI, 1.32-12.24; P=0.01], hypotension (OR: 3.97; 95% CI, 1.57-10.39; P=0.004), headache (OR: 7.65; 95% CI, 1.98-29.48, P=0.003), and procedure time (MD: 3.82; 95% CI, 1.22-6.42; P=0.004). There was no significant difference in VAS at 24 hours (MD: 0.06; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.17; P=0.34), seroma (OR: 1.54; 95% CI, 0.73-3.26; P=0.26), wound infection (OR: 1.03; 95% CI, 0.45-2.37; P=0.94), and vomiting (OR: 0.84; 95% CI, 0.39-1.83; P=0.66) between the 2 groups. There was a nonsignificant decrease in overall morbidity in favor of GA (OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 0.77-4.40; P=0.17) which became significant following sensitivity analysis (OR: 2.59; 95% CI, 1.23-5.49; P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although TEP inguinal hernia repair under SA may reduce pain in early postoperative period, it seems to be associated with increased postoperative morbidity and longer procedure time. It may be an appropriate anesthetic modality in selected patients who are considered high risk for GA. Higher level of evidence is needed.

Comparison of Open Repair and Laparoscopic Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing Method in Repairing Inguinal Hernia in Children

Introduction

An inguinal indirect hernia is one of the most frequent surgical conditions in children. In this study the experience with laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) and open inguinal hernia surgery and their relations evaluated.

Methods

All children over 90 days of age and without having prior inguinal region surgery with a diagnosis of indirect inguinal hernia underwent surgical repair with open or laparoscopic PIRS technique. Patients' gender, age at surgery, inguinal hernias side, surgery duration, recurrence, complications, and follow-ups were collected.

Results

A total of 488 inguinal hernias of 405 patients were repaired. The diagnoses were unilateral inguinal hernia in 360 (88.9%) and it was bilateral in 33 (8.1%) patients. The operative technique was laparoscopic PIRS for 227 and open inguinal hernia surgery for 178 patients. In the PIRS group, a contralateral hernia was found in 48 of 205 children (23.4%). The surgery times were 23.3 (PIRS) and 33.7 (open) min for unilateral and 28 (PIRS) and 53.1 (open) min on average for bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. Mean follow-up was 30.4 months for PIRS and 24.4 months for open technique. Recurrence was observed in seven (3%) patients in PIRS and one (0.5%) in the open group and postoperative complications in three (1.3%) in PIRS and four (2.2%) in the open group.

Conclusion

PIRS method has the advantage to evaluate contralateral hernia at the same session, minimal scar related to surgery, and preserve the spermatic cord from manipulation. PIRS is an alternative feasible method and easy to perform to repair the inguinal hernia with/without communicating hydrocele in children.

Treatment of Inguinal Hernia: Systematic Review and Updated Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Despite the advent of innovative surgical platforms and operative techniques, a definitive indication of the best surgical option for the treatment of unilateral primary inguinal hernia remains unsettled. Purpose was to perform an updated and comprehensive evaluation within the major approaches to inguinal hernia.

METHODS

Systematic review and network meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) compare Lichtenstein tension-free repair, laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair, and totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP). Risk Ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) were used as pooled effect size measures while 95% Credible Intervals (CrI) were used to assess relative inference.

RESULTS

Thirty-five RCTs (7,777 patients) were included. Overall, 3,496 (44.9%) underwent Lichtenstein, 1,269 (16.3%) TAPP, and 3,012 (38.8%) TEP repair. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was significantly lower for minimally invasive repair at <12-hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours. Postoperative chronic pain [TAPP vs. Lichtenstein (RR = 0.36; 95% CrI 0.15-0.81) and TEP vs. Lichtenstein (RR = 0.36; 95% CrI 0.21-0.54)] and return to work/activities [TAPP vs. Lichtenstein (WMD = -3.3; 95% CrI -4.9; -1.8) and TEP vs. Lichtenstein (WMD = -3.6; 95% CrI -4.9; -2.4)] were significantly reduced for minimally invasive approaches. Wound hematoma and infection were significantly reduced for minimally invasive approaches while no differences were found for seroma, hernia recurrence, and hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive TAPP and TEP repair seem associated with significantly reduced early postoperative pain, return to work/activities, chronic pain, hematoma, and wound infection compared to the Lichtenstein tension-free repair. Hernia recurrence, seroma, and hospital length of stay seem similar across treatments.

Comparison of trans-abdominal preperitoneal repair with Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty

Background:

The concept of hernial repair underwent evolution from Bassini's repair to Lichtenstein tension-free repair with the introduction of polyethylene mesh. Recently, some of the prosthetic biomaterials have been combined to form composite mesh to minimize undesirable side effects. Mesh placement can be achieved by both open and laparoscopic techniques. Although many studies have explored the relative merits and potential risks of laparoscopic surgery for the repair of inguinal hernia, most individual trials have been too small to show clear benefits of one type of surgical repair over another.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized comparative study, was conducted for duration of 18 months. Patients of Unilateral Uncomplicated Inguinal hernia between the age group of 18-60 years, was randomized between two groups. Patient were operated by Surgeons having requisite experience of TAPP repair and Lichtenstein repair.

Results:

A total of 110 patients included in this study were male with unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia. The mean operative time for open Lichtenstein mesh repair and TAPP was 52.85 min and 64.27 min, respectively. The postoperative pain score (as per visual analog scoring) was statistically significantly less in laparoscopic TAPP group as compared to that of open Lichtenstein group (P < 0.05). No major complications were noted in either Lichtenstein group or TAPP group. The minor complication rate was 20.0% for open Lichtenstein group and 7.27% for laparoscopic TAPP group. The mean time to return to work was earlier for TAPP group (12.97 days) as compared to that of Lichtenstein group (17.84 days).

Conclusion:

The results support the view that laparoscopic TAPP mesh repair is as safe and efficient as Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair and should be an available option for all patients requiring elective hernioplasty.