An Experience of Short-Term Results of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty Using 3D Mesh in a Developing Country

Background: The experience of short term results of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using 3D mesh in a developing country is reviewed. Methods: From January 2012 to February 2014, 53 patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty. A retrospective case series of 53 consecutive patients undergoing TEP/TAPP by a single surgical team was followed prospectively with a focused physical examination and interview. 4 out of 53 patients had recurrent hernia following open repairs and 49 had primary hernias. Data collected included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative difficulties, immediate postoperative pain, chronic groin pain, recurrence, sensory disturbance, activity or occupational limitation and personal satisfaction. Results: All the patients were male aged 32 to 75 years with a mean age of 53.5 years. Mean operative time was 37.4 minutes; intraoperative dissection, blood loss were less; and immediate postoperative pain was negligible as assessed by VAS. There was no mortality or major morbidity. Mean follow-up was 12 months (2 to 18 months). Follow-up was completed by interview and physical examination. Hernia was not found to recur during the follow up period. Chronic pain occurred in 2 patients (3.7%), which was mild in nature. Ninety-seven percent of patients were satisfied with their repair and would or had recommended TEP/TAPP to others using 3D Mesh. Conclusions: Short-term results of TEP/TAPP hernia repair using 3D mesh demonstrated to be an effective and safe procedure with low prevalence of chronic pain that is generally of a mild, infrequent nature. It was also concurred that there is decrease in operative time. Manipulation of mesh was significantly reduced. Intraoperative bleeding and use of post operative analgesia was reduced considerably. There was no recurrence, however the cost of the mesh increased the overall cost of the procedure acting as a limiting factor in a developing country.