LAPAROSCOPIC EXTRAPERITONEAL REPAIR OF INGUINAL-HERNIAS

The world of surgical laparoscopy is evolving. Laparoscopic prosthetic inguinal hernia repair is gaining rapid and wide acceptance, This exp erience consisted of 144 hernia repairs in 105 patients (40 bilateral, 31 recurrent, and 33 unilateral nonrecurrent hernias), treated throug h an extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair, When compared with transabdo minal repair-operative time and postoperative recovery were similar, w ith some advantages related to the avoidance of intraabdominal manipul ation and potential related complications. In spite of a relatively sh ort follow-up (up to 40 months), there were no recurrences in this ser ies. Morbidity rate was acceptable (16.1%), mainly reported as minor c omplications. Anatomical and technical skills to perform the operation are required and achieved through training. Extraperitoneal hernia re pair with synthetic mesh is safe and feasible, with the advantages of being associated with less pain, rapid return to full activities, and the already proven milder systemic responses following interventional laparoscopy.