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45 The Extended-View Totally Extraperitoneal (eTEP) Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair
Fig. 45.2 Because of a previous surgery at the right lower abdominal quadrant, the camera port was placed in the left fl ank. Working ports are placed in triangulation
469
Fig. 45.3 The location of the camera port in the classic TEP approach is shown ( red ). The semilunar lines ( solid blue vertical lines ) and the possible locations for the cam­era port ( blue stripes ) in the eTEP technique are indicated
classical TEP approach (highlighted in red); the semilunar lines marked under ultrasound guid­ance are indicated with solid vertical blue lines, and possible sites for the camera port in the eTEP technique are highlighted by blue stripes. The camera port can also be positioned lateral to the semilunar lines, as shown in Fig. 45.4 .
The initial incision is then extended to the anterior fascia, and the fascia is exposed and incised with an inverted 11 blade. This allows a fi nger to be introduced through the fascia and muscle to reach the posterior fascia, which is thick at this location, and the retro-rectus space is manually dissected. The balloon trocar is then introduced along the same path to reach the pubic spine, and the balloon is infl ated to create a work­ing space. The surgeon and camera operator stand on the side opposite to the hernia.
Flexible Port Distribution
Two additional working ports can be placed according to each individual case. In a unilateral hernia, we often use the umbilicus as one work­ing port and place the second port high in the lower abdominal quadrant opposite to the hernia (Fig.
45.5 ). The working ports can also be placed
with one port lateral to the umbilicus and the
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J. Daes
Fig. 45.4 The eTEP enables access to the preperitoneal space outside of the semilunar lines, as shown. This maneuver is rarely necessary
other port slightly lower and lateral to the fi rst. When the camera is opposite the hernia site, we use the distribution shown in Fig. 45.6 , which allows for perfect triangulation. For bilateral her­nia cases, we use the distribution shown in Figs. 45.7 and 45.8 . Placement of a second port in these cases allows for a more ergonomic repair.
Division of the Posterior Fascia (Douglas’s Line)
Occasionally, the posterior fascia descends enough to reduce visibility within the preperito­neal space. In such cases of a low-lying arcuate line, we usually divide it. This can be done while maintaining visibility if a 5 mm camera is used through the lowest working trocar. The posterior fascia and peritoneum are fi rmly adhered at mid­line, but the peritoneum can be dissected free from the fascia laterally. Usually, we divide the Douglas’s line blindly using laparoscopic scis­sors introduced through one of the working tro­cars, though this can risk dividing the peritoneum and generating a pneumoperitoneum.
The key technical aspects of the eTEP technique can be observed in the supplemental video.
Fig. 45.5 Port setup for a right inguinal hernia. Note how the working port for the right hand is placed at the umbilicus. The left hand working port is placed high in the left fl ank
Fig. 45.6 Port distribution for a left inguinoscrotal hernia. The camera port is located at the right fl ank, and the working ports are placed to obtain a perfect triangulation
Fig. 45.7 Port distribution for a bilateral inguinal hernia case showing setup of the camera and working ports for the right hernia
Fig. 45.8 Port distribution for a bilateral inguinal hernia case showing setup of the camera and working ports for the left hernia. An additional trocar can be placed to allow a more ergonomic repair, although this is not strictly necessary
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Hernia Repair
Once the extraperitoneal space is created, pubic tubercle and Cooper’s ligament are exposed, epigastric vessels are identifi ed and the space of Bogros is fully developed. When a direct hernia is present, lax transversalis fascia is freed from the hernia content. In case of an indirect hernia, the indirect sac is retracted medially while ele­ments of the cord are dissected free laterally, being careful not to grasp them. Dissection is completed when the indirect sac is separated from cord structures by a bluish transparency. The sac can be reduced completely in most cases. When indirect sac extends deep into the scrotum in a large inguinoscrotal hernia, we ligate the sac and divide it distal to the ligation. The ligated sac and peritoneum are dissected as proximally as possible to achieve parietaliza­tion of cord elements and ensure correct posi­tioning of the mesh at the end of the procedure. Failure to deal with the distal sac carries the risk of formation of large and sometimes cum­bersome seromas, hematomas, and pseudohy­droceles. We grasp the lateral edge of the divided distal sac, which is exposed with the help of external pressure applied to the ipsilat­eral scrotum. We pull the edge of the divided sac upwards and laterally and fi x it with tacks (and sometimes sutures) to the abdominal wall well above the ileopubic tract. This maneuver has been helpful to avoid cumbersome seromas (8). In cases of large direct hernias, the lax transversalis fascia is reduced and fi xed with tacks to Cooper’s ligament to reduce the dead space. Lipomas of the cord are sought for and dissected out. When a complete dissection of the space is achieved, a mesh is introduced, unrolled and placed over the posterior inguinal wall. We use a 15–17 cm by 10–12 cm, mid­weight, macroporous polyester mesh. Fixation is optional for small hernias. We usually fi x the mesh with a few tacks placed on Cooper’s liga­ment and on the upper border of the mesh well above the ileopubic tract/inguinal ligament. Finally, we instill diluted bupivacaine into the space, make sure sac and peritoneum lie behind the mesh and keep the inferior lateral border of the mesh under pressure with a dissector while slowly releasing CO 2 from the space.
Clinical Experience with eTEP
Between October 2010 and September 2014, we performed 307 eTEP repairs in 276 patients. This unselected series included all patients with ingui­nal hernias. Six cases were converted to TAPP, and none were converted to open surgery. The hernia recurred in two cases. There was one bladder lesion that was corrected during the procedure and fi ve self-limiting seromas. None of the patients have experienced chronic pain.
Conclusions
The eTEP technique has a place in the armamentar­ium of hernia surgeons. Residents and surgeons early in their experience will fi nd this technique easier to master than the classic TEP method. It can expand the traditional indications of the extraperito­neal approach to patients with a diffi cult body habitus, a short umbilicus-pubis distance, and previ­ous pelvic surgery. As the surgeon’s experience increases, the indications for the traditional TEP technique can be expanded to more complex cases.
References
1. Daes J. Reparo laparoscopico de la hernia inguinal.
Experiencia de la Unidad de Laparoscopia. Clinica Bautista, Barranquilla, Colombia. Rev Colomb Circ. 1999;14:97–103.
2. Wake BL, McCormack K, Fraser C, Vale L, Perez J,
Grant AM. Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) vs totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005. doi:
3. Leibl BJ, Jager C, Kraft B, Swartz J, Ulrich M, Bittner
R. Laparoscopic hernia repair—TAPP or/and TEP? Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2005;390:77–8.
4. Ferzly G, Sayad P, Vasisht B. The feasibility of lapa-
roscopic extraperitoneal hernia repair under local anesthesia. Surg Endosc. 1999;13:588–90.
5. Ismail M, Garg P. Laparoscopic inguinal total extraperi-
toneal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia without mesh fi xation in 1,220 hernia repairs. Hernia. 2009;13:115–9.
6. Daes J. The enhanced view- totally extraperitoneal
technique for repair of inguinal hernia, answer to let­ter to the editor. Surg Endosc. 2012;26:3693–4.
7. Daes J. The enhanced view- totally extraperitoneal
technique for repair of inguinal hernia. Surg Endosc. 2012;26:1187–88.
8. Daes J. Endoscopic repair of large inguinoscrotal her-
nias: management of the distal sac to avoid seroma formation. Hernia. 2014;18:119–22.
10.1089/lap.2008.0212
Inguinal Hernias: an Algorithmic Approach to Procedure Selection
Brian P. Jacob
4 6
The Problem
Employing a minimally invasive versus open ingui­nal hernia repair for a primary inguinal hernia remains debatable. It has been clearly established that in experienced hands, both the open and laparo­scopic techniques can produce excellent short- and long-term results. All inguinal hernia operations carry a small risk of chronic pain and recurrences . Weighing the benefi ts of open versus laparoscopic repair for any new patient presenting with a primary inguinal hernia will remain an academic pursuit, but practical focus needs to shift to establishing the best technique to utilize at different times, depending on the patient, with the goal being outcome optimiza­tion. Treatment algorithms for the many different types of patients presenting with inguinal hernias can help guide surgeons toward this objective. These algorithms do require that surgeons feel com­fortable performing both open and laparoscopic techniques, but assuming this is the case, following them can help build a complete surgical arsenal.
History and Surgical Work Up
The work-up for a primary inguinal hernia includes a detailed history, a focused physical exam, and in certain situations some further imaging. All
B. P. Jacob , M.D., F.A.C.S. (*) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , NY , USA
bpjacob@gmail.com
e-mail:
treatment decision trees for patients with primary inguinal hernias should start with the patient and not be limited to one approach. Knowing there is no single “best” approach to every patient; sur­geons must pay careful attention to the patient’s history and try to match their procedure choice to each patient’s specifi c goals and expectations, as well as any intraoperative fi ndings.
The fi rst question all patients should be asked is, “why do you want your hernia fi xed?” “What bothers you about your hernia?” An attempt to document the precise symptoms (whether it is simply a bulge, some bulge and some intermittent pain, or concern for an emergent scenario) related to the patient’s hernia will be an important factor to help decide if this patient even needs surgery at all. Patients with completely asymptomatic her­nias who have been referred by a physician when the patient themselves did not even know they had a primary inguinal hernia can be safely watched non-operatively, if the patient chooses, to do so and once they have been educated [ 1 ]. Even after education, patients with only rare symptoms from a palpable and easily reducible hernia can also be offered non-operative strate­gies , assuming they are compliant and will return for follow-up if symptoms arise or become more frequent. My words of wisdom are, “if you cannot document a clear reason why you are repairing the hernia, don’t repair the hernia.”
Sometimes, patients have a chief complaint of groin pain (with or without a bulge). It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to document
Y.W. Novitsky (ed.), Hernia Surgery, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-27470-6_46
473© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016
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any preoperative groin pain complaints, and then do a full pain history and physical on these patients. Groin pain can be the result of an exten­sive differential diagnosis, and if there is any doubt that the patient’s complaint of pain is not related directly to the hernia bulge, then they should not be operated on initially.
Groin pain complaints should be fully evalu­ated by those experienced in narrowing down that vast differential and should not be initially assumed to be related to an inguinal hernia, even if a hernia is obvious on exam. Additionally, it is well accepted that there is a higher incidence of postop­erative hernia pain complaints in patients who complained of pain preoperatively. Documenting the patient’s goals for seeking surgery will help a surgeon choose the best procedure. Patients who want the hernia fi xed with the fastest recovery and return to work option should be advised that, in experienced hands, laparoscopy has been shown to offer this advantage.
Once the decision to operate is made, navigat­ing the inguinal hernia repair algorithm can be facilitated by taking and processing a detailed patient history that includes the patient’s body mass index (BMI), prior medical history (PMH) , prior surgical history (PSH) , current medications, and social history to evaluate for tobacco smok­ing. It is well accepted that a history of smoking and/or obesity can increase recurrence and infec­tion rates, and thus surgical options known to minimize these risks should be employed. Documenting the details of a previous inguinal hernia repair can aid in deciding whether an open or laparoscopic repair is preferable. Some recur­rences after an open Lichtenstein or tissue repair may be better diagnosed and treated with a lapa­roscopic technique; and a previous laparoscopic repair recurrence may be best repaired by an anterior approach in some hands, but by a laparo­scopic method in others. It will truly depend on the history and the surgeon’s experience. A surgical history that involves a previous lower midline incision may violate otherwise avascular tissue planes, and thus could be a reason to proceed with an open (anterior) repair. Medications such as blood thinners and Aspirin may play a role in choosing between open and laparoscopic methods.
A history of immunosuppression medications may also help direct a surgeon down a particular pathway. Advanced patient age is not an absolute contraindication to performing a laparoscopic procedure, but the ability for each patient to toler­ate general anesthesia must be evaluated care­fully. That being said, some patients simply do not want to undergo general anesthesia. Since an open repair can be performed safely under local anesthesia, and epidural, or with IV sedation only, this may be the best option for those patients.
Management Options
The current list of available, well-described, and commonly utilized inguinal hernia repair tech­niques is extensive (Table 46.1 ).
Surgeons who wish to embrace inguinal her­nia repair as a practice sub-specialty should be familiar with all of these techniques, and be able to perform both open as well as laparoscopic TEP, TAPP, eTEP, and IPOM inguinal repairs. However, at some point in their training, many surgeons become more comfortable with one specifi c technique over others. Consequently, once training is complete, surgeons trained on open techniques tend to have limited exposure to advanced laparoscopic training, and are therefore likely to avoid adopting such methods. However, in order to accommodate all hernia patients, a surgeon should have a variety of weapons in his or her armamentarium.
Table 46.1 Common hernia repair surgical options
Open techniques Laparoscopic techniques Tissue repair—no mesh TEP (total
extraperitoneal)
Lichtenstein (tension-free) (Mesh onlay, no plug)
Transinguinal preperitoneal (TIP)
Mesh plug (alone) Robotics Mesh plug and patch Prolene™ Hernia System
(single mesh device with an intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal layer)
TAPP (Transabdominal preperitoneal)
IPOM (intraperitoneal onlay mesh)
46 Inguinal Hernias: an Algorithmic Approach to Procedure Selection
475
Robotic surgery is an emerging minimally invasive tool that surgeons are choosing to use to repair inguinal hernias. Robotics, like laparos­copy, is a minimally invasive option, and in this chapter when I mention the use of laparoscopy to perform TEP or TAPP, it can be easily exchanged with the use of a robot to perform a TAPP or TEP, if the surgeon is experienced with and performs a majority of their cases with the robot. In other words, whether a robot or laparoscopy is used, the procedure itself is still a TAPP or a TEP. Until comparative data is available, a robotic inguinal hernia repair is certainly feasible, but has not been shown to be superior or inferior to an open inguinal approach by an open hernia expert or to a laparoscopic approach by a laparoscopic expert, when considering measurable patient outcome metrics.
Author’s Preference
While most surgeons with extensive experience in hernia repair techniques have optimized their outcomes, randomized prospective trials are still benefi cial in helping to direct surgeons to choose to master operations with proven and optimized success rates. The outcomes after TEP, TAPP, and Open repairs have been scientifi cally stud­ied in large databases [ 2 ]. For instance, in the open technique debate, a Cochrane review of 20 randomized trials comparing open Lichtenstein to open-tissue repair revealed shorter hospital stays, quicker return to activities of daily living, less chronic pain, and lower recurrence rates for the Lichtenstein [ 3 ]. That being said, in the open versus laparoscopic debate, the LEVEL-trial concluded that the laparoscopic total extraperi­toneal (TEP) procedure, when compared to the Lichtenstein repair , was associated with less­reported acute pain and a slightly faster recovery time [ 4 ]. Several other randomized prospective studies have also demonstrated better quality of life and chronic pain outcomes for laparoscopic hernia repair compared to open Lichtenstein repair [ 5 , 6 ]. For an experienced laparoscopic
trained surgeon, recurrence rates following laparoscopic repair are no different than those following an open repair and might be even bet­ter, while, if inexperienced, recurrence rates will be higher [ 7 ]. Finally, within the laparoscopic repair options debate, when comparing TAPP and TEP, a large 12,000 patient review showed no signifi cant differences in operating times, vascular injuries, recurrence rates, or chronic pain complaints [ 8 ]. The TEP repair was associ- ated with more intraoperative conversions to other techniques, and it may be harder for train­ees to learn. At the same time, TAPP procedures led to slightly more trocar site hernias, transperi­toneal hernias, and visceral injuries, as well as increased intra- abdominal adhesive disease leading to bowel obstruction (0.5%, vs. 0.07% for TEP). Most importantly, after a TEP is com­plete, there is no peritoneum to close at the end of the procedure. Thus, any morbidity related to this peritoneal closure is eliminated. A large 19,582 patient review found that both laparo­scopic and open preperitoneal mesh placement were associated with signifi cantly lower re­recurrence rates than the same repairs of a recur­rent hernia using an open technique [ 9 ]. However, TAPP has been shown to increase incidence of postoperative obstruction [ 10 ]. Combined with TAPP in certain scenarios, TEP’s diagnostic ability is superior to an open alternative in patients with, for example, a missed femoral hernia during a plug repair of a direct hernia. Given all of these facts, I routinely rely on the TEP repair for the majority of my patients including all primary unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias. For the TAPP surgeon advocates, there are not many contraindications to using a TAPP other than the routine contrain­dications to performing intra-abdominal lapa­roscopy, like in patients with a history of peritonitis or previous laparotomy with known extensive adhesive disease. The question they may need to answer is why choose an operation where the peritoneum is cut and then sewn together when there is a technique available that can avoid that step.
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Fig. 46.1 Reduction of excess indirect right hernia sac. Used with permission from personal fi les of Dr. Jorge Daes
performed. The use of mesh after fi nding a true
Caveats and Pearls
strangulation or bowel ischemia remains at the
discretion of the surgeon, though employing a While TEP appears to be an ideal operation for all unilateral and bilateral primary inguinal her­nias, as well as recurrence after an open inguinal hernia, a TAPP remains advantageous for several specifi c patient scenarios. A standard approach to all patients with an inguinal hernia is presented here in an easy-to-follow algorithm (Fig. 46.1 ).
permanent synthetic material in a clean-
contaminated or contaminated fi eld carries a risk
of chronic mesh infection and is therefore best
avoided. An absorbable material is probably the
safest choice if the fi eld is clean-contaminated.
However, if the fi eld is contaminated, then it is
best to stage the repair (if mesh is needed), or
perform a primary tissue repair without mesh.
B.P. Jacob
Incarcerations and Strangulations
Scrotal Hernias and Large
Incarcerations and possible strangulations are a contraindication for the TEP repair. A true TEP repair does not allow easy visualization of the incarcerated tissue, and thus risks leaving behind strangulated or ischemic remnants. If performing a TEP where possible bowel ischemia is suspected, the peritoneal layer should be opened and the bowel inspected. By performing a TAPP repair in these scenarios, the surgeon can evaluate the bowel properly. Should he or she fi nd an isch­emic segment of bowel, it can be reduced; but then the patient’s primary problem is no longer the hernia, and a bowel resection should be
Hernia Sacs
Inguino-scrotal hernias are probably more com-
mon than typical reporting might indicate. Small
scrotal hernias that are reducible can be
approached initially via the TEP procedure; but
the larger, more incarcerated or chronic scrotal
hernias, especially those with large diameter
necks, are sometimes better approached using a
TAPP or open technique. Again, it certainly is
acceptable to approach these with a TEP, but the
number one reason to consider starting with a
TAPP repair is that it provides a great view of the
46 Inguinal Hernias: an Algorithmic Approach to Procedure Selection
477
incarcerated contents, and usually allows for a straightforward reduction. Often, a TEP repair can be modifi ed (or converted partially) to a TAPP (by opening the peritoneum) to help reduce the incarcerated contents.
In these large hernias, a partial hernia sac can be left in situ in the scrotum (it is not always necessary to excise the entire sac). If sac is left within the canal, an attempt should be made to close the peritoneum on the proximal end (with an endoloop or endoclips or suture) if possible, but you can leave the end within the canal open and patent. Some surgeons leave the rents in the peritoneum open, and report no issues, though I tend (and highly recommend) to close them.
One trick we like to employ for direct defects to reduce seroma rates is to take the retained peri­toneum hernia sacs within the canal and pull them intrapreperitoneally and tack its lateral edge to the anterior abdominal wall to reduce the vol­ume of sac in the canal. This will decrease the incidence and size of seroma formation. Nonetheless, patients with these types of hernias should also be forewarned about seromas, as they are fairly common (Fig. 46.2 ).
Inguinodynia
Chronic groin pain is a complex topic covered in another chapter. The choice of operation will depend on the previous surgery, as well as the patient’s response to local and regional nerve blocks, which can be performed for diagnostic purposes, as indicated above. The TAPP is very useful as a diagnostic, and possibly therapeutic, tool for patients presenting with groin pain. Patients should be educated that there is a chance the surgery will not resolve their pain, but can still contribute greatly to the workup, with the goal being an eventual diagnosis and resolution. Before the TAPP, the patient should mark the spot with the maximal pain. He or she should understand that if a TAPP exploration fails to identify the etiology of the pain, an additional surgery requiring neurectomy might be needed. But he or she should also be made aware that proceeding in a staged fashion is the logical and appropriate course of action. During the TAPP procedure, potential pain-inducing tacks and mesh can be removed, adhesions can be identifi ed and lysed, and the femoral, direct, and indirect
Fig. 46.2 Algorithmic approach to a patient with an inguinal hernia
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spaces can be carefully examined for missed, new, or recurrent hernias. Simply stated, a TEP may miss many etiologies and is therefore not as useful as a TAPP for approaching inguinodynia.
Recurrence After a TEP or TAPP
For experienced laparoscopists, a recurrence after a previous TEP or TAPP approach demands a TAPP, or even an IPOM repair. Some surgeons will always resort to an open anterior approach for a patient with a recurrence, but compared to the diagnostic ability of the laparoscope, I fi nd an open approach (used alone) limited. During the laparoscopic dissection, an additional open incision may help with mesh removal or cord preservation, and it may be added at this point. Choosing which procedure is best to perform after a recurrence has been extensively evaluated in the literature and is beyond the scope of this chapter; but it is clearly dependent on surgeon experience.
Using laparoscopy for a recurrence after an open tissue or Lichtenstein repair allows for a precise diagnosis under magnifi ed vision, mini­mizing untoward outcomes. Preoperatively, if palpable, the recurrence should be marked or prepped into the fi eld. A urinary catheter should be inserted, which can be used to distend the bladder, if necessary, during the dissection. The fi rst step during a recurrent hernia repair is to perform an adequate diagnostic laparoscopy, to survey the entire region and assess the possible etiology of the recurrence. In general, I start with a detailed diagnostic laparoscopy, where I survey the nearby viscera, and then examine the direct, femoral, and indirect spaces. It is important to be particularly careful taking the previous mesh off the myopectineal orifi ce to avoid injury. It is important to be particularly careful to avoid injury to the cord structures, epigastric vessels, bladder, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and iliac vessels (and Genitofemoral nerve, if posterior dissection is needed). The dissection should continue until the recurrence is identifi ed. Usually there is a small defect medially near the Cooper’s ligament and pubic tubercle, where the previous
mesh pulled away from the periosteum of the tubercle. Less commonly, the indirect hernia may have recurred or a femoral hernia may have been missed. If no defect is found, the patient’s symp­toms may be the result of a cord lipoma, which then needs to be ruled out.
Old mesh can be left in situ if it is densely adherent to vital structures and not causing pain. New mesh may be implanted in standard fashion, or, in specifi c case scenarios, laparoscopically sutured to the old mesh as needed. If the perito­neum is destroyed during the dissection, a two­sided mesh with a barrier coating (also known as tissue separating mesh) can be inserted as an intraperitoneal onlay (IPOM). Laparoscopic sutures may then be used to fi x the new mesh to the peritoneum overlying vital structures, to avoid injury by tacks. Adhesive glues are also useful for this purpose.
Women with Previous Pfenensteil
Some women with previous Pfenensteil incisions will not have a peritoneal layer and thus are not candidates for a TEP repair. In such situations, a TAPP or IPOM repair is required. In addition, some Pfenensteil incisional hernias will be felt on palpa­tion like inguinal hernias, when indeed the defect is in the midline. A preoperative CT scan can help differentiate between the two. Also, using a laparo­scopic approach allows for an accurate diagnosis and remedy to be achieved concomitantly.
Previous Surgical History Involving Lower Midline Skin Incisions (Prostatectomy)
As with women who have previous Pfenensteil incisions , patients with previous lower midline skin incisions may have an obliterated retrorectus plane. This is most signifi cant in patients who have had open or laparoscopic radical prostatec­tomies. The history of a prostatectomy deserves specifi c mention, because, although rare (0.04%), bladder injuries can still occur. An open repair, on the other hand, avoids this risk completely. An