Trans abdominal pre peritoneal inguinal hernioplasty: initial experience in resident training service
Authors: Gambealte Juan C 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Abdominal wall hernia surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by general surgery departments. The most common techniques currently used are: plastic surgery without mesh (Shouldice), plastic surgery with mesh (Lichtenstein) and laparoscopic plastic surgery (TAPP or TEP). More and more surgical groups are performing laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty. Numerous studies have shown that treatment of inguinal hernias by laparoscopy has recurrence rates comparable to those established by conventional surgery. However, it has been objected that learning laparoscopic surgery is more difficult and longer than that required for the conventional technique. Objectives: To analyze the results obtained in the short and medium term during the initial experience in the development of the transabdominal pre peritoneal technique (TAPP) in a service that trains residents. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of the first 30 patients operated for inguinal hernias according to the TAPP technique in the General Surgery Service of the Hospital Escuela Eva Perón of Granadero Baigorria, during the period from June 2017 to June 2018. Results: 30 patients underwent elective surgery. 28 men and 2 women (93.3% and 6.7%), with a mean age of 51.17 years (range: 21 and 78 years); the mean BMI was 26.86. All were operated by TAPP (transabdominal pre peritoneal) technique. 100% of the surgeries were performed by a resident always accompanied by a staff surgeon. Comorbidities: 9 patients (30%) had arterial hypertension. 3 patients (10%) had asthma and another 3 (10%) had diabetes. 27 were indirect inguinal hernias, 6 were direct and 2 were mixed. 5 patients (16.6%) had a contralateral hernial defect as an intraoperative finding and bilateral hernioplasty was performed. The average anesthetic time was 130 minutes (range 90-180 minutes). Sixty percent of the cases were managed as outpatient surgeries, the remaining 40% were hospitalized for 24 hours because they were admitted to the operating room in the afternoon. Complications: 2 patients (6.66%) presented cord or testicular hematomas. One patient (3.33%) presented infection of the umbilical trocar wound. One patient (3.33%) had recurrence in the immediate postoperative period. Two patients (6.66%) presented chronic groin pain (more than 30 days) of mild intensity, evaluated by VAS (visual analogue scale) and required additional analgesia. There were no conversions from laparoscopic to conventional repair. Seven patients (23.3%) were not working at the time of surgery. Of the remaining 23, 82% returned to their usual work activity one week after surgery. 20 patients (66.6%) went for follow-up one year after the operation and underwent a survey, which showed that 100% of the patients surveyed were satisfied with the operation and would recommend it. Conclusion: Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasties have a low rate of recurrence and complications, comparable to those obtained with the conventional technique. Likewise, the learning curve is longer, but it is possible to perform it during the training stage as a resident doctor.