Address of Corresponding Author

Eur Surg Res 2005;37:185-190 (DOI: 10.1159/000085967)

  Key Words

• Hernia repair, laparoscopic
• Inguinal region
• Herniorrhaphy
• Laparoscopy, complications

  Abstract

Introduction:In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair the inguinal region is approached and hernia repair performed from the interior side instead of the classical open external access. Exploration and placement of staplers in the internal inguinal region during laparoscopic hernia repair may sever different anatomical structures, or induce specific complications such as nerve entrapment, neuralgia, hematomas or osteitis. The incidence of these complications may be reduced by careful dissection of the preperitoneal tissues and by placing a prosthetic mesh without the use of stapling. As laparoscopic techniques evolved, different sizes of meshes have been used. An exact determination of mesh size was hitherto not investigated. Aim: Cadaver studies of the topography of blood vessels and nerves in the preperitoneal tissue in this region were carried out in order to assess a safe position and adequate size of the prosthetic mesh. Methods: Dissection in 6 preserved human female cadavers was performed to define the actual surface of the internal inguinal region. A physical model was developed to formulate the ideal size of the prosthesis. Specific measurements were used to define the maximal size of the meshes, so as to place them without stapling, and without inducing neurovascular complications. Results: The designed physical formula defines the size of the mesh as a function of the maximum intra-abdominal pressure, the size of the abdominal wall defect and the abdominal wall tension. Conclusion: On mathematical and physical grounds our study points out that the size of the currently used prosthetic mesh (10 × 15 cm) is large enough to be placed without stapling so that with proper placement no recurrences should occur.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

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  Author Contacts

Prof. Dr. R. Van Hee
Academic Surgical Center Stuivenberg
Algemeen Centrum Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Lange Beeldekensstraat 267
BE-2060 Antwerpen (Belgium)
Tel. +32 32 177 235, Fax +32 32 177 254, E-Mail robrecht.vanhee@zna.be

  Article Information

Received: February 20, 2004
Accepted after revision: February 28, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 23

  Publication Details

European Surgical Research (Clinical and Experimental Surgery)

Vol. 37, No. 3, Year 2005 (Cover Date: May-June 2005)

Journal Editor: Messmer, K. (Munich)
ISSN: 0014-312X (print), 1421-9921 (Online)

For additional information: http://www.karger.com/esr

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