ENDOSCOPICALLY GUIDED SURFACE REPAIR OF INGUINAL-HERNIA

A novel tension-free prosthetic mesh repair for an inguinal hernia is described. This is performed through a 2-cm groin incision and the ing uinal canal is traversed with the aid of a 5-mm videoendoscope. Sperma tic cord mobilization, identification and excision of the indirect sac , and posterior wall repair are carried out under endoscopic guidance. Between October 1993 and January 1994, 22 primary unilateral hernia, and two bilateral repairs were undertaken. The mean (range) age was 47 (35-64) years in 23 men and one woman. The mean (range) operative tim e was 42 (35-58) min. All patients left hospital on the day after surg ery. One patient developed a scrotal swelling required a scrotal suppo rt.