[Prosthetic bilateral laparoscopic hernioplasty. Extra-peritoneal approach]. FT Ernioplastica laparoscopica bilaterale protesica. Accesso pre-peritoneale.

The use of prosthetic mesh in inguinal hernia repairs is becoming increasingly popular. In recent years different laparoscopic procedures for prosthetic repair of inguinal hernias have been developed. The authors describe their initial experience with a totally extra-peritoneal prosthetic approach in laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinal hernias. From November 1993 to May 1994, ten consecutive patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernias underwent laparoscopic repair under general anesthesia. A totally extra-peritoneal approach has been performed beginning through a 2 centimeter vertical midline sub-umbilical incision. Two additional trocars have been inserted on the midline: a 10/12 mm one halfway between the umbilicus and the pubis and 5 mm one 2 cm above the pubis. Average operative time was 141 minutes. Two cases were converted to traditional open Stoppa procedure because of holes made in the peritoneum during blunt dissection of the hernia sac. In the remaining 8 cases a polypropylene mesh of about 8 cm in height and 13 cm in length have been placed on each hernia site. No major complications have been observed and recovery was quick in all cases. In conclusion we think that laparoscopic hernia repair through a totally extra-peritoneal approach is technically feasible for general surgeons trained in laparoscopic surgery. Nevertheless the operation in costly and the patient's benefit in terms of rapid recovery, complications and recurrences has not yet been demonstrated in controlled prospective trials.