ABSTRACT
The introduction of laparoscopic operating techniques opened up the possibility of using this method to implant mesh into the pre-peritoneal space to repair an inguinal hernia. By sparing the patient a large abdominal incision in the inguinal region1 or in the midline,2 one can expect a decrease in the number of wound complications, less postoperative pain, and consequently a faster recovery of normal physical activity and return to work. In contrast to pre-peritoneal mesh insertion via a minimized anterior approach,3 the laparoscopic method provides clear visibility when dissecting the inguinal region with safe, wrinkle-free placement of a large mesh.4
Laparoscopic hernioplasty with pre-peritoneal placement of a large mesh (transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair) represents a synthesis between proven conventional operative techniques and the advantages of a minimally invasive approach.
