Hernioscopy: laparoscopy via an inguinal hernia sac.

The use of laparoscopy in general surgery has expanded to aid in the diagnosis of various intraabdominal conditions. A new application of the laparoscope is described to explore the abdominal cavity for potential gangrenous bowel after reduction of an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Hernioscopy allows for a good view of the entire abdomen including inspection of the colon for serosal changes of carcinoma. Exploration via this technique is accomplished without additional skin incisions or fascial disruptions and with no increased morbidity, when performed during the inguinal herniorrhaphy.