Utility of Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure for External Inguinal Hernias (Type L1) in Adults

Abstract

Expanding indications of laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) for external inguinal hernia (type L1) in adults without fragility of the inguinal canal have been observed in many facilities. Our hospital has been performing LPEC in all patients of all ages with type L1 inguinal hernias. We examined the outcomes of LPEC treatment at our hospital.

Methods : Ninety-eight patients aged over 16 years who underwent LPEC at our hospital were included in this study. The surgical time, length of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence rates were assessed.

Results : The mean patient age was 41 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 52 : 46. Surgery was performed bilaterally in 27 patients and unilaterally in 71 patients, with a mean surgical time of 82 min and a mean postoperative hospital stay of 1.9 days. No intra-operative complications were observed. Postoperative complications included chronic pain in one patient and postoperative seroma in six patients. Recurrence occurred in two patients.

Conclusion : These results suggest that the indications for LPEC can be expanded to adult-type L1 inguinal hernias. Additional cases should be studied for further evaluation.