Laparoscopic treatment of anterolateral abdominal wall hernias: retrospective evaluation of short-term results

Abstract

Introduction: Laparoscopy offers advantages in the treatment of anterolateral abdominal wall hernias, remains underutilized. The aim of this study was to report our experience with the laparoscopic treatment of anterolateral abdominal wall hernias.

Methodology: We conducted a descriptive study with retrospective data collection from patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for an anterolateral abdominal wall hernia in two health facilities in the city of Yaoundé.

Results: We collected data from 21 patients. The male-to-female ratio was 2.5, with a mean age of 48.4 ± 17.7 years. The diagnosis of hernia had been made clinically in 17 patients. The most common location was the inguinal region (12 cases). Open laparoscopy was performed in all patients. Omental-parietal and ileo-parietal intraperitoneal adhesions were found in 7 patients. All inguinal hernias were treated via a transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP). In this case, the polypropylene prosthesis was fixed in only 3 cases. We recorded no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. The mean operative time was 79.7 ± 38.3 minutes. The mean length of hospital stay was 2 ± 0.7 days. We recorded the complications in 3 patients, and there was no postoperative mortality.

Conclusion: Laparoscopy for hernia is feasible and safe in our context with controlled operating time, zero conversion rate, shortened hospital stay and low morbidity and mortality.