Total extra-peritoneal repair of groin hernia: prospective evaluation at a tertiary care center

Abstract

The laparoscopic repair of groin hernia is increasingly being used. However, the relative merits and demerits of laparoscopic repair are debatable. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the total extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair of groin hernia. This prospective study was undertaken at a single surgical unit between January 2004 and June 2006. Consecutive patients with elective groin hernias were offered laparoscopic TEP repair. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Polypropylene mesh was used in all of the patients and mesh fixation was performed with tackers. A total of 185 patients with age range 18-92 years were included; 180 were males. TEP repair was attempted in 298 groin hernias in 185 patients with a success rate of 89.5%. Indigenous balloon or telescopic dissection was used to create extra-peritoneal space. Thirty-one (31, 10.5%) TEP repairs were converted to transabdominal pre-peritoneal or open repair. Two patients developed recurrence during follow-up. TEP is an excellent technique for laparoscopic groin hernia repair, with acceptable rates of complication.