LAPAROSCOPIC EXTRAPERITONEAL INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR USING A BALLOON DISSECTION TECHNIQUE

A laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach using a balloon dissection tec hnique was used to repair 40 inguinal hernias in 35 patients. The init ial experience with this method is presented. Thirty-four of these her nias were indirect, five direct and one sliding. Three were recurrent hernias. The operation time ranged from 40 to 135 min. Thirty-two of t he patients stayed overnight in the hospital; Three stayed 2 nights. R eturn to normal activities ranged from 3 to 21 days. None of the patie nts had problems with nerve entrapment and to date there have been no recurrences of the hernias following the repairs. The procedure has be en very well-tolerated by all patients.