Complete posterior rectus sheath and total extra-peritoneal hernioplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Variations in rectus sheath formation have been reported with little realization of its importance to the laparoscopic surgeons doing total extra-peritoneal preperitoneal (TEPP) hernioplasty. Observation of complete rectus sheath during laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty for inguinal hernia through TEP approach and its surgical implication are presented here. Materials and Methods: Setting - Elective. Location for the study - J. N. Medical College and Hospital, A. M. U., Aligarh. Study design - Prospective with effective from April 2010 to August 2013. Study population - Adults (≥18 years). Data collection - Instant documentation and video recording. Method of analysis - All data were computed through on-line calculators (www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/and http://epitools.ausvet.com.au/). Results: Thirty-five TEPP hernioplasties were carried out in a period of 3 years. All patients were males, with an overall mean age of 48.7 ± 13.4 years. Posterior rectus sheath (PRS) was found complete in four patients with a mean age of 47.28 ± 09.74, and was associated with significantly increased surgical difficulties during the procedure. On Visual Analog Score, endoscopic vision was 4.3 ± 0.6 (4.0-5.5), and the ease of the procedure was 4.5 ± 0.8 (4.0-6.0) that is, both were less than satisfactory. Operating time was 3.1 ± 0.7 h (3.25-4.0). Out of four patients, peritoneal injury occurred in three patients, surgical emphysema in one patient, and postoperative seroma in one patient. Conclusions: PRS was complete in 11.43% of cases studied that was associated with an increased level of surgical difficulties and a higher rate of complications.