Tumescent Technique for Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair (TAPP) versus Conventional TAPP

Abstract Background Laparoscopic hernia repair is more difficult technically than open surgery and there is evidence of learning curve in its performance and many complications reported from laparoscopic procedure. But also, laparoscopic approach has its benefits as rapid recovery, quicker return to work, less acute pain complication, better quality of life outcomes. Objective To compare between the conventional and tumescent technique in TAPP inguinal hernia repair as regards operative technique, intra & post-operative complications, early post-operative pain, hospital stay, restriction of physical activity, incidence of recurrence and post-operative chronic groin pain. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, comparative study, that was conducted at El-Demerdash hospital over one and a half years (October/2021 - March/2023). The 60 patients who were included divided into two groups, 30 for each. Group A; tumescent technique, Group B; conventional technique. Results Follow up started from the first day after operation and then visits at surgery outpatient clinic were arranged as follows, two weeks postoperative, then after one month. Interpretation of results revealed that there was significant difference between the two groups in operative time and early post-operative pain which decreased in tumescent group. There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards postoperative complications, the most reported complications were post- operative urinary retention and seroma formation. No reported cases of hernia recurrence and chronic groin pain in both groups. Conclusion Tumescent TAPP inguinal hernia repair appears to offer technical and clinical improvements to conventional TAPP, with small learning curve makes it easy procedure for unexperienced surgeons to use it for hernia repair and to learn it quickly. In general, TAPP inguinal hernia repair is considered both safe and effective for surgeons skilled in laparoscopic surgery; as all perioperative complications are well tolerated by patients and mostly there was no need for a second operative intervention, also the short-term treatment results were satisfactory.