Surgical anatomy of the interior inguinal region. Consequences for laparoscopic hernia repair.

Exploration and placement of staplers in the internal inguinal region during laparoscopic hernia repair may sever blood vessels or nerves. Lesions of specific structures may be associated with such complications as hematomas and impaired sensibility in defined areas. Therefore, the course and topography of blood vessels and nerves in the preperitoneal tissue in this region were studied. Six human preserved male cadavers were dissected. Unsafe areas for stapling were described. An adjustment of the technique of laparoscopic hernia repair to circumvent these complications is proposed.