Dulucq's technique for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair has been a controversial area in surgical practice. Its complexity is reflected by the fact that numerous different procedures including both open and laparoscopic techniques are in use today. Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair is preferred over transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair as the peritoneum is not breached and also due to fewer intra-abdominal complications. This is the most elegant technique but rather difficult to perform.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to describe Dulucq's technique for inguinal hernia repair and the use of three-dimensional mesh without fixation in laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernioplasty.

METHODS: Surgical technique of laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair is detailed in the text.

RESULTS: A total of 945 hernia repairs were included in the study. The hernias were repaired by Dulucq's technique. Mean operative time was 45 min in unilateral hernia and 65 min in bilateral hernia. There were no serious complications.

CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic TEP hernioplasty by Dulucq's technique is feasible with fewer intra-abdominal complications. The dissection must always be done with the same stages with minimal monopolar diathermy and patient in a slight Trendelenburg position.