Novel Technique of Laparoscopic e-TEP (Extended View Totally Extraperitoneal Repair) for Umbilical Hernia at a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India: a Case Series.

Introduction:The field of abdominal wall hernias has undergone many innovations. Ventral hernias have conventionally been treated by open on-lay mesh hernioplasty, open retromuscular mesh hernioplasty (Rives-Stoppa procedure) and laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh hernioplasty. Objective: To develop an alternative strategy where a mesh is placed in retromuscular space by minimal access technique of the laparoscopic extended view totally extraperitoneal approach (e-TEP). Methodology: This was an interventional and prospective study on series of 25 cases of either sex with age ≥18 years and ≤65 years presenting with umbilical hernia with abdominal wall defect. Laparoscopic e-TEP (extended view totally extraperitoneal repair) for umbilical hernia was performed and patients were usually discharged within 48.72 hours of the procedure. Follow-up surveillance for complications and recurrence of hernia was performed in an outpatient clinic the sixth week after surgery and by telephonic conversation every sixth months. Demographic profile, medical history, preoperative (comorbidities), perioperative and postoperative (during hospital stay) clinical profile of each patient was documented. Results:Among our study participants there was a female preponderance, with a male to female ratio of 0.47:1. Patients' ages ranged from 27 to 61 years, with a mean (SD) of 41.7 (11.4) years. Average defect size was 4.2 cm². One hernia involved divarication of recti muscles. A polypropylene mesh of size 15 x 15 cm was placed. The mean operative times were 94 minutes, ranging from 60 to 120 minutes. The average hospital stay was three days. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months. Two patients developed seroma at umbilicus with discharge from suture site which resolved in two weeks with regular dressing. Prolonged ileus was noted in two patients, which resolved spontaneously by the fourth day. None of the patients developed surgical site infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, bowel obstruction, urinary complications, or deep vein thrombosis. Also, none of the patients required conversion to open surgery. Conclusion:The current study generates evidence in support of this technique to be adapted in centers with advanced laparoscopic skills.