Inguinal-scrotal hernias in young patients: is laparoscopic repair a possible answer? Preliminary results of a single-institution experience with a transabdominal preperitoneal approach

The laparoscopic trans-abdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach to inguinal hernia repair is well documented as an excellent choice in numerous studies, especially when conducted by an experienced surgeon. Its full list of specific indications is still under debate. Generally, the repair of scrotal hernias demands a higher level of experience on the part of the surgeon, irrespective of the applied surgical technique. In this report, we evaluate our preliminary experience of TAPP laparoscopic repair for inguinoscrotal hernias in young patients in a Community Hospital setting, focusing on the feasibility of the technique and the incidence of complications. Between January 2008 and January 2009 a total of ten consecutive young patients at the Civil Hospital in Vittorio Veneto (TV), underwent TAPP laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinoscrotal hernias. The overall mean operative time was 65 (+/- 15) min. All procedures were performed on a day surgery basis. There were no conversions to open repair, no mortality/morbidity or relapsing hernias. The mean follow-up was 14 (+/- 2) months. No patients reported severe pain at 10 days, There were no reports of night pain at 30 days. All patients had a return to physical-work capacity within 14 days. All patients were completely satisfied at the 3-month follow up. Analysis of the short-term post-operative outcomes of our experience enabled us to conclude that, in the proper setting, TAPP can be performed for inguinoscrotal hernia repair with an efficiency comparable to that of normal inguinal hernia repair.