The neglected surgery - Hernioscopy - Maybe the best choice for strangulated groin hernias in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> While elective surgeries have been postponed worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency operations cannot be delayed and are continuously being performed just like before the pandemic outbreak [1]. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> Although elective surgeries have been postponed worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency operations cannot be delayed and are continuously being performed. In general surgery practice, incarcerated / strangulated inguinal hernias take a prominent place among emergency surgeries. In 1% of these patients, the hernia contents retreat spontaneously into the abdomen until the hernia sac is opened. It is strongly recommended that these bowel segments be evaluated for possible intestinal necrosis.</br></br> <b>Results:</b> Patients who underwent emergency surgery and hernioscopy in the Sakarya Training and Research Hospital General Surgery Service due to incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia between March 2020 and October 2020 were included in the study. Hernioscopy procedure was performed using the single-port and glove-port methods. For each patient, the following variables were recorded: age, duration of complaints, comorbidities, hernia repair method, operation time, incarcerated organ, postoperative complications and whether ischemia improved after reduction or resection was required. </br></br> <b> Conclusion:</b> Hernioscopy is a procedure performed under spinal anesthesia which prevents unnecessary laparotomies and should be considered as first-line treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients who undergo emergency surgery for strangulated inguinal hernia.