Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair by Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) Technique in Specific Cases as an Alternative Method

Abstract

Purpose: Despite advancements in surgery, laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for inguinal hernia in patients with previous lower abdominal surgeries has been a burden to surgeons. This study was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay m esh (IPOM) hernia repair as an alternative method for these cases. Methods: From May 2006 to November 2010, 48 IPOM repairs were performed in 43 patients. All medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Mean age of patients was 61 years old and male to female ratio was 37:6. Five were direct and 43 were indirect hernias. There were 15 recurrent inguinal hernias after either open or laparoscopic hernia repair, and five of 15 were recurrent cases more than two times. Mean operative time was 44.5 minutes, and mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.41 days. There were two cases of postoperative swelling at the groin area and two patients complained of pain that required oral pain-killers during out-patient follow-ups. Recurrence developed in one case. Conclusion: Even though laparoscopic IPOM repair is not a preferred m ethod for inguinal hernia, it can be applied as an alternative method in specific cases involving difficulties in approaching the usual plane of repair.