Laparoscopic Mesh Hernioplasty in Inguinal Hernia: An Experience in A Teaching Hospital

Aim: To evaluate the influence of laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty regarding hospital stay, postoperative pain, return to normal activity and postoperative complications including recurrence. Methods: This case series study was conducted in the department of surgery, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore This study included thirty five (35) patients who underwent laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty through totally extra peritoneal approach (TEPA) after fulfilling the inclusion criteria and having given the informed consent. This study was conducted from 15th August 2003 to 14th February 2004. Patients of either age range between 18 and 75 years and with primary or recurrent inguinal hernia and unilateral or bilateral were included in this study. The patients emergency presented including irreducibility, strangulation or obstruction. Patients unfit for general anesthesia, previous lower abdominal surgery were excluded from this study. Results: In our study the mean age of the patients was 38.7+/-8.2 years. In all patients laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty (TEP), five patients (14.29%) had complications. There was one recurrence and the common most was scrotal hematoma. One of the patient (2.86%) developed seroma at the inguinal region. One patient (2.86%) developed cellulitis at the umbilical port site. There was one recurrence in the study period. Postoperative pain was minimal and required minimal analgesia with diclofinac sodium. All patients were pain free for first six hours and demanded analgesia when the effect of local anesthesia was off. Average hospital stay was 2 days Most of the patients return to normal activity within one week. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty TEPA technique is safe to perform with less postoperative pain, hospital stay and early return to normal activity, being a good alternative to open repair.