Surgical practice recommendations for minimal access surgeons during COVID 19 pandemic - Indian inter-society directives.

These are inter-society guidelines for performance of laparoscopic surgery during COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the way of surgical practice. The safety of healthcare workers and patients is being challenged. It is prudent that our surgical practice should adapt to this rapidly changing health environment. The guidance issued is based on global practices and national governmental directives. The Inter-Society Group urges you to be updated with the developing situation and evolving changes.

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of spigelian hernia.

BACKGROUND: A Spigelian hernia is a congenital defect in the transversus aponeurosis fascia. Traditionally, an anterior hernioplasty was used to repair these defects. This study aimed to document our experience with laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair for Spigelian hernia. METHODS: Eight patients underwent laparoscopic transabdominal Spigelian hernia repair. All patients underwent creation of a peritoneal flap, sac dissection, identification and approximation of the fascial defect, mesh reinforcement, and reperitonealization. RESULTS: All patients presented with pain. An intermittent palpable mass was noticed in 4 patients. One third of the patients had undergone prior surgery and none had an incisional hernia. Only 1 patient presented with severe pain for 1 day; however, there was no bowel strangulation intraoperatively. All patients underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair. No postoperative complications occurred. There have been no recurrences at a mean follow-up of 41 months (range, 8 to 96). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of Spigelian hernia is safe, easy, and feasible for experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to document the authors' experience with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children. METHODS: Ninety-three hernia repairs were performed in 64 children. The neck was closed with a purse string suture by using 4-0 absorbable suture. RESULTS: Ninety-three indirect inguinal hernial sacs were closed in 64 children. Nine percent of children had an ectopic testis. The mean operating time for laparoscopic ring closure was 25 minutes (range, unilateral 21 to 35; bilateral, 28 to 50). The contralateral processus vaginalis was patent in 20% of children. In 24% of children, the final procedure was modified based on the findings of a dilated internal ring. A laparoscopic ilio-pubic tract repair was done in these cases. Laparoscopic mobilization, orchiopexy followed by ilio-pubic tract repair was done in 9% of children. Scrotal swelling occurred in one child. Hydrocoele occurred in one patient. Recurrence rate was 3.1%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children can be offered, as it is safe, reproducible, and technically easy for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Ilio-pubic tract repair may be added in cases with dilated internal ring. Recurrence following laparoscopic ring closure can be managed with laparoscopic ilio-pubic tract repair. The long-term follow-up of laparoscopic ilio-pubic tract repair is awaited.