Single-incision totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: our initial 100 cases and comparison with conventional three-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (SILS-TEP) and conventional three-port totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 137 patients (SILS-TEP, 100; conventional TEP, 37) scheduled to undergo elective inguinal hernia from January 2011 to July 2013 at Osaka Police Hospital.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the patient demographics. There were no significant differences in the length of the operation between the two groups (SILS-TEP group, 93 min vs. conventional TEP group, 92 min for unilateral hernias, p = 0.8; SILS-TEP group, 142 min vs. conventional TEP, 128 min for bilateral hernias, p = 0.4). The postoperative hospital stay, total medical charge for the hospital stay and the numerical rating scale before and 3 months after surgery were comparable in both groups. Two cases treated by SILS-TEP repair were converted to conventional three-port TEP repair (one case) and mesh-plug method (one case). The postoperative complications were comparable in both groups, and these were managed conservatively. One recurrence (2 %, 1/37) developed in the conventional TEP group, compared with 0 recurrences (0/100) in the SILS-TEP group.

CONCLUSIONS: SILS-TEP repair seems to be safe and feasible, with no significant differences in the total medical charges for the hospital stay or the postoperative pain score 3 months after surgery compared with conventional three-port TEP repair.