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Total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair of inguinal hernia in the developing world: comparison of low-cost indigenous balloon dissection versus direct telescopic dissection: a prospective randomized controlled study

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Abstract

Background

Creation of extraperitoneal space during TEP repair requires an expensive commercially available balloon.

Patients and methods

Fifty-six patients suffering from uncomplicated primary unilateral or bilateral groin hernia were randomized into two groups; group 1 – indigenous balloon dissection and group 2 – direct telescopic dissection.

Results

There were 55 males and 1 female, with an average age of 49 years; 50% of the inguinal hernias were bilateral. Creation of extraperitoneal space was considered as satisfactory in majority of patients (94.6%) with satisfactory anatomical delineation. Peritoneal breach was noticed during dissection in 36 (64.3%) patients. There was one (3.8%) conversion of TEP to TAPP in group 2. Distance between pubic symphysis to umbilicus was an important factor, which affected the easiness of dissection. In patients with this distance ≤14 cm lateral placement of ports was considered for easy use of graspers. The incidence of scrotal edema was significantly higher in group 2 as compared with group 1 (p < 0.01). Patients with indirect inguinal hernias in group 2 presented with a greater number of scrotal edema. Pain score on VAS at 6 h after surgery was significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.021). Patients with age <65 years, bilateral hernias, and indirect hernias had a correlation with higher pain score at 6 h. Of the patients, 17.9% developed seroma in group 1 versus 64.3% in group 2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Anatomical delineation of inguinal area and dissection in the extraperitoneal space in TEP repair was equally satisfactory with both low-cost indigenous balloon (group 1) and telescopic dissection (group 2). Balloon dissection was associated with significantly reduced postoperative pain at 6 h, scrotal edema, and seroma formation. However at 3 months follow-up balloon dissection did not offer significant advantage over direct telescopic dissection in the overall long-term outcome of TEP repairs. If balloon dissection is considered useful for the beginner, low-cost indigenous balloon may be used to avoid higher cost of commercially available balloon dissector with added early advantages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical Disciplines, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India

    Mahesh C. Misra, Sareesh Kumar & Virinder K. Bansal

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  1. Mahesh C. Misra
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  2. Sareesh Kumar
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Correspondence to Mahesh C. Misra.

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Misra, M.C., Kumar, S. & Bansal, V.K. Total extraperitoneal (TEP) mesh repair of inguinal hernia in the developing world: comparison of low-cost indigenous balloon dissection versus direct telescopic dissection: a prospective randomized controlled study. Surg Endosc 22, 1947–1958 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-008-9897-9

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