Clinical value of the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal technique in recurrent inguinal hernia repair

Objective: To assess the clinical value of the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique in recurrent inguinal hernia repair. Methods: The clinical data of 354 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia who underwent TAPP surgery from June 2010 to June 2016 at the Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Laparoscopic surgery was successfully completed in all 360 patients. Among them TAPP were finished in 354 patients, while TAPP repair were attempted but finally converted to open or TAPE repair in 6 patients. The mean operation time was 54.7 ± 19.4 min (range 30–90 min), mean duration of hospitalization was 4.7 ± 2.1 days (range 2–14 days), and mean duration of follow-up was 37.7 ± 12.4 months (range 12–60 months). The rate of intraoperative injury was 4.5% (16/354), and the rate of postoperative complications was 13.6% (48/354). No patient developed a foreign body sensation, wound infection, intestinal obstruction, mesh infection, or chronic pain. Two patients (0.6%) developed re-recurrence requiring reoperation, with no further recurrence. Conclusion: When performed by an experienced surgeon with excellent technique, the TAPP technique is safe and effective for recurrent hernia after surgical treatment via the anterior repair, and maybe a good alternative for recurrent hernia after surgical treatment via the posterior repair.