Telescopic dissection versus balloon dissection during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: A prospective randomised control trial.

Background: Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair involves creating a preperitoneal space. The preperitoneal space can be created by balloon or telescopic dissection (TD). Nevertheless, these techniques may have some complications. However, there are very few studies that compare these two techniques. This study aims to assess the impact and comprehensively compare the TD and balloon dissection (BD) methods in patients undergoing laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair.

Patients and methods: This was a single-centre, double-blinded, prospective, randomised, controlled trial comparing BD and TD for the creation of the preperitoneal space. The primary end point was to compare the post-operative pain score, intraoperative complications and surgical site occurrence between the two groups. The secondary end point was to assess the impact of the dissection technique on operative time for the creation of extraperitoneal space during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair.

Results: A total of 46 patients were included in the study (23 in each group). Baseline parameters were comparable between the groups. The total operative time between the groups (120 min vs. 160 min; P < 0.005) was statistically significant. The incidence of the peritoneal breach was statistically less in the BD group (43% vs. 13%; P < 0.005). Other short-term and long-term complications were less in the BD group but not statistically significant.

Conclusions: BD in TEP inguinal hernia repair reduces the operative time and peritoneal breach. When compared to TD in terms of operative time, routine use of BD can be proposed. It will be beneficial in the early part of the learning curve.