Laparoscopic extraperitoneal treatment of inguinal hernias in adults. A series of 200 cases.

Laparoscopic repair of 200 inguinal hernias by the preperitoneal approach is described. The technique uses a large mesh either of polypropylene or of ePTFE-Goretex. The average duration of the procedure was 45 minutes for unilateral hernias and 71 minutes for bilateral hernias. Postoperative pain was minimal and complications rare (no infection, one deep vein thrombosis). The mean duration of hospital stay was 44 hours. At a maximum follow-up of 22 months only one hernia has recurred. This technique of hernia repair has the advantage of minimal postoperative pain and early return to work with minimal recurrence of the hernia.