Comparison of modified tumescent and conventional laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Objective Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair poses certain challenges to less experienced surgeons. This study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of modified tumescent laparoscopic TAPP (MT-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair versus conventional laparoscopic TAPP (CL-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data of patients with inguinal hernias who underwent either MT-TAPP repair (n = 57) or CL-TAPP repair (n = 54) at the General Surgery Department of Nanjing Yimin Hospital from November 2019 to June 2023. Results The durations of the total operation and the preperitoneal space dissection were shorter in the MT-TAPP than CL-TAPP group. The estimated blood loss volume was lower in the MT-TAPP than CL-TAPP group. The visual analogue scale scores recorded at the 12- and 24-hour postoperative time points showed significantly greater reductions in the MT-TAPP than CL-TAPP group. Conclusions Using liquid injection and gauze dissection is both safe and practical. This technique results in a shortened total operation time, less time spent on preperitoneal space dissection, decreased estimated blood loss, and less severe postoperative pain.