Published online Dec 27, 2017. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v9.i12.264
Peer-review started: August 7, 2017
First decision: September 6, 2017
Revised: November 6, 2017
Accepted: November 19, 2017
Article in press: November 19, 2017
Published online: December 27, 2017
Processing time: 142 Days and 21 Hours
To study the utility of single-incision totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with intraperitoneal inspection.
A 2 cm transverse skin incision was made in the umbilicus, extending to the intraperitoneal cavity. Carbon dioxide was insufflated followed by insertion of laparoscope to observe the intraperitoneal cavity. The type of hernia was diagnosed and whether there was the presence of intestinal incarceration was confirmed. When an intestinal incarceration in the hernia sac was found, the forceps were inserted through the incision site and the intestine was returned to the intraperitoneal cavity without increasing the number of trocars. Once the peritoneum was closed, totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair was performed, and finally, intraperitoneal observation was performed to reconfirm the repair.
Of the 75 hernias treated, 58 were on one side, 17 were on both sides, and 10 were recurrences. The respective median operation times for these 3 groups of patients were 100 min (range, 66 to 168), 136 min (range, 114 to 165), and 125 min (range, 108 to 156), with median bleeding amounts of 5 g (range, 1 to 26), 3 g (range, 1 to 52), and 5 g (range, 1 to 26), respectively. Intraperitoneal observation showed hernia on the opposite side in 2 cases, intestinal incarceration in 3 cases, omental adhesion into the hernia sac in 2 cases, severe postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in 2 cases, and bladder protrusion in 1 case. There was only 1 case of recurrence.
Single-incision totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with intraperitoneal inspection makes hernia repairs safer and reducing postoperative complications. The technique also has excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Core tip: Single-incision totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with intraperitoneal inspection (iSTEP) makes hernia repairs safer and more effectively. Totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair had the disadvantages for difficulty with confirming the type of hernia as well as difficulty with large indirect inguinal hernia, intestinal incompetence and postoperative prostatectomy. However, iSTEP can be used to diagnose the type of hernia easily. It enables observation of the opposite side and reconfirmation of treatment after mesh repair making the technique safer and reducing postoperative complications. The technique also has excellent cosmetic outcomes.