Laparoscopic Preperitoneal Treatment of Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias can be repaired with different surgical techniques, using both an anterior (open) or a posterior (open or endo-laparoscopic) approach. Some elements contribute to the growing interest in endo-laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques (MIS), such as the evident advantages in terms of reduced hospital stay, lower risk of infections, lower incidence of chronic postoperative pain, and a faster recovery of daily and sporting activities. The two most common laparoscopic approaches, the transabdominal (TAPP) and the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair, require adequate anatomic knowledge and surgical skills to be applied safely and to have low recurrence and complication rates. This chapter describes the “Totally Extra-Peritoneal hernia repair (TEP)” technique from its indications to the postoperative management.