P-044 LEARNING AND DATA FROM OUR TEP LEARNING CURVE

Abstract

Abstract Aim Laparoendoscopic techniques for inguinal repair (TEP) offers advantages such as less postoperatory pain, less local complication rates and early comeback to work activities. We describe the TEP learning curve in our unit and we present a preliminary analysis of our results. Material and Methods We present the retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TEP inguinal hernioplasty between 2018 and 2021 in a Wall Surgery Unit of Navarra Hospital. We perform a descriptive analysis of the collected data. Results 182 patients were analysed, including 91.6% male with an average age of 57.1 years. 11patients required conversion from TEP to another technique (mainly TAPP and open preperitoneal surgery) due to surgical or anesthetic problems, with a conversion rate of 6%. 4 patients (2%) presented early recurrence and 6 patients (3%) late recurrence. 16 patients (8.8%) had moderate pain (VAS < 5) while 7 patients (3.8%) had severe pain (VAS ≥5). All the patients who presented postoperative pain were reviewed and none presented postoperative neuralgia. No patient showed surgical site infection neither epididymitis. 4 patients (2%) presented seroma and 23 (12.6%) hematoma. Conclusions Laparoendoscopic techniques, especially TEP, has more demanding learning curve than open repairs. Support and tutoring are imperative in the first cases. An adequate selection of cases at the beginning is important. Mastering open preperitoneal hernioplasty surgery leads to better and faster results in TEP approach.