RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To study the possibility of totally extraperitoneal repair combined with diagnostic laparoscopy in the treatment of strangulated groin hernias (Laparoscopy-Assisted Totally Extraperitoneal Plasty, LATEP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the results of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair. The trocar placement technique was modified. There were 38 patients with strangulated groin hernia. The sample included 26 patients with strangulated inguinal hernia, 9 ones with strangulated femoral hernia and 3 patients with recurrent strangulated inguinal hernia. RESULTS: LATEP was attempted in 38 patients and successful in 37 (97.3%) cases. In 1 (2.6%) patient, correction of small bowel strangulation was failed and conversion to open surgery was required. In 29 patients (76.3%), correction of strangulation was performed after laparoscopy-assisted external manipulations and careful traction from abdominal cavity. In 8 (21%) cases, strangulation spontaneously regressed before laparoscopy. Laparoscopy confirmed viability of strangulated organs in 36 patients. One (2.6%) patient required bowel resection due to small intestine wall necrosis. Later, all patients underwent totally extraperitoneal repair. We were able to prevent the contact of hernia sac fluid with the implant in all cases. At the stage of preperitoneal repair, local damage to peritoneum occurred in 9 patients. Nevertheless, sealing was not required since hernia fluid was previously removed from abdominal cavity. There were no signs of implant infection and hernia recurrence within 6-14 months. CONCLUSION: Totally extraperitoneal repair combined with diagnostic laparoscopy is possible for strangulated groin hernias.