Enhanced view totally extraperitoneal approach: A better alternative to transabdominal preperitoneal approach for irreducible inguinoscrotal and giant inguinal hernias!

Abstract

The advantages of enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) over TEP approach are well established in large inguinoscrotal, recurrent inguinal, patients with short pubis to umbilicus distance and in obese patients. Irreducible inguinoscrotal hernias (IISHs) and giant inguinal hernias (GIHs) pose a great challenge. GIHs are hernias which extend below the midpoint of the inner thigh with the patient in the standing position. Majority of these hernias are managed by open, hybrid or by transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) approach. TAPP was considered the optimal minimally invasive approach for these hernias as it provides a large working space and reduction of contents under vision. My practice of eTEP has been limited to IISH and GIH. I would like to share some technical tips to manage these cases by eTEP approach.