ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Chirurgica 2004 June;59(3):265-70

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal repair: indications, technique, complications and results in 10 years experience

Olmi S., Erba L., Magnone S., Croce E.

Aim. Inguinal hernia play a major role in a general surgical division. In the last 10 years laparoscopy has gained a key role even in the treatment of this disease. This study aims to revise a single institution experience with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinale repair (TAPP).
Methods. A retrospective study of 715 operations in 500 patients from 1992 to September 2002. Two hundred and eight six (56.6%) of these were monolateral hernias and 214 (43.4%) were bilateral while 215 (30%) were recurrent.
Results. Of 214 operations recurrence rate was 0.43 with a mean operating time of 30 min (range 25-50) for monolateral hernias and of 70 min (range 45-120) for bilateral hernias. Mean length of stay was 2 days (range 1-10). Return to work occurred in 6 days while sports were resumed after 10 days. Complications occurred in 40 (8.6%) patients with only 2 (0.4%) major complications. Mean follow up time was 58.3 months.
Conclusion. According to personal experience, and in agreement with international literature, laparoscopy showed to be effective mostly in treating bilateral and recurrent hernias, particularly for the faster recovery and less postoperative pain comparing to traditional techniques.