Comparison of enhanced view-totally extraperitoneal technique and totally extraperitoneal technique in S1 scrotal hernia repair.

Abstract

Objective: The treatment of scrotal hernias may vary according to the surgeon's experience. Although open anterior approaches are mostly preferred, specialized hernia surgeons prefer laparoscopic approaches. The study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic enhanced view-totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique and the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique in treating scrotal hernias.

Material and methods: The retrospective cohort study compared patients with unilateral scrotal hernia who underwent eTEP or TEP from November 2022 to October 2023. The two groups were compared in demographic characteristics and operative and postoperative data. The main result of this study was the recurrence rate.

Results: A study analyzed 54 patients: 30 underwent the eTEP technique, and 24 underwent the TEP technique. No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding recurrence rates, incidence of chronic pain, time of the surgical procedure, length of stay, time taken to resume daily activities, pneumoperitoneum occurrence, and complications, particularly hematoma and seroma formation. Patients were followed up for an average of 19 months (±5.2).

Conclusion: The comparison of the eTEP technique to traditional TEP for scrotal hernia repair has not demonstrated any conclusive evidence of the superiority of eTEP. The outcomes associated with the eTEP technique were found to be comparable to those of TEP, with an average follow-up period of 19 months. Similar to TEP, the eTEP technique demonstrates both safety and feasibility in the management of scrotal hernias. Furthermore, it is necessary for prospective randomized studies to compare these two techniques directly, specifically in the realm of scrotal hernia repair.