Transabdominal preperitoneal patch (TAPP) repair of inguinal hernia - general and visceral surgery

Buttressing the posterior wall of the inguinal canal by laparoscopic insertion of a preperitoneal synthetic or biological mesh.

Make a periumbilical skin incision of about 1 cm. Insert the Verres needle through this incision and accomplish pneumoperitoneum. In case of previous surgery, insert the trocar for the camera through a blunt minilaparotomy.

After access to the abdominal cavity with the scissors, bluntly insert the trocar (10 mm) for the camera into the abdominal cavity and perform the initial inspection. At about the lateral level of the umbilicus insert a 5 mm trocar on the contralateral side of the hernia, while the ipsilateral side requires either a 5 mm or 10 mm trocar.

Tip: The 30°/45° laparoscope with the camera should face anteriorly. This allows the surgeon to survey the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.