Needlescopic extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias

Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy has traditionally been performed using one 5-mm and two 11-mm trocars. In this report, we evaluate the feasibility of the preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias using the needlescopic met hod (2-mm ports) and describe the technique used in this repair. A total of 11 inguinal hernias were treated with needlescopic extraperitoneal repair. There were five direct and six indirect hernias. One patient had a bilater al hernia. The average operative time was 54 min. One patient was converted to the standard laparoscopic extraperitoneal method. All patients were dis charged a few hours after the procedure. They were able to resume activity within a few days and required only minimal analgesic intake. Follow-up ran ged from 1 to 6 months. All patients were followed up by one of the surgeon s at 1, 3, and 6 weeks, and then at 6 months. No complications were encount ered. There have been no recurrences to date. Overall. needlescopic extrape ritoneal repair of inguinal hernias is a feasible procedure in male patient s seeking better cosmetic results than can be achieved with standard laparo scopic extraperitoneal repair. This procedure is technically more demanding . The operative time is longer. The cosmetic aspect is the only advantage o f this technique.