Clinical application of the dissection of the preperitoneal space without electrocoagulation in laparoscopic transperitoneal inguinal hernia repair throughout of the whole process.

Introduction: The dissection of the preperitoneal space is performed using a monopolar instrument to prevent bleeding in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP). It may also cause energy injuries and nerve damage. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of dissection of the preperitoneal space without electrocoagulation (DPSWE) in TAPP throughout the process. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of data of 134 patients was made. The electrocoagulation group (EG) relied on monopolar instruments. In the non-electrocoagulation group (NEG) mainly scissors were used without electrocoagulation. The patients were followed for up for 3 months. Intraoperative and postoperative conditions and other complications were observed. Results: The VAS scores in the NEG were lower than those in the EG (p < 0.05). The operation time in the NEG was shorter than that in the EG (p < 0.05). Hospitalization expenses, scrotal seroma formation, and rupture of hernia sac in the NEG were lower than those in the EG (p < 0.05). The intraoperative bleeding volume above 20 ml in the NEG was higher than that in the EG. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, vas deferens injury, intestinal injury, surgical site infection, length of hospital stay, urinary retention and hernia recurrence in the NEG and the EG (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in the NEG and the EG. Conclusions: DPSWE is effective and safe. DPSWE may reduce postoperative pain and have no significant increase in postoperative bleeding.

Feasibility of laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia repair with lateral umbilical fold covering internal inguinal ring combined with patch repair.

Introduction: For an indirect inguinal hernia (IIH), it is a challenge to repair the internal inguinal ring (IIR) with self-tissue reconstruction in laparoscopic repair. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of covering the IIR with the lateral umbilical fold (LUF) combined with patch repair in laparoscopic indirect inguinal hernia repair. Material and methods: Patients with IIH treated by trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair at the Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre between September 2019 and March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. In group I (n = 57) the LUF was overturned and sutured to cover the IIR under a laparoscope and subsequently repaired with a patch. In group II (n = 62), the IIR was not covered by the LUF but only repaired with a self-gripping mesh. Results: We noted a longer suture time in group I than in group II. Although the LUF was covered after suturing, no significant difference in postoperative pain was observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in surgery time and hospitalization cost (p < 0.05) were found. One case of recurrence was observed in group II. Conclusions: The LUF can be used in IIH to cover the IIR and is a feasible approach. The LUF covering the IIR has no significant difference in pain.