An alternative anterior tension free preperitoneal patch technique by help of the endoscope for femoral hernia repair

BackgroundFemoral hernias are relatively uncommon and have a higher risk for strangulation and incarceration. We introduce an alternative anterior tension free inlay patch technique by help of the endoscope for femoral hernia repair.MethodCharacteristics of patients undergoing femoral hernia repair between March 2006–April 2011 and description of the surgical technique is presented.ResultsWe analyzed our experience with this technique in 26 consecutive patients with femoral hernias (1 bilateral, 15 right, 10 left femoral hernia) in 5 year period. Seven of these 26 femoral hernias were recurrent and 2 of them were concomitant with inguinal hernia. Mean operation time was 30.0 ± 12.1 min. Seroma was seen in 2 patients at postoperative 1st week. There were no; hematoma, wound infection and separation of wound edges and early recurrence at postoperative 1st week and 1st month. The mean follow up period was 41.8 ± 18.2 months. All of 22 patients who were contacted were satisfied with the operation. There was no recurrence, chronic pain and foreign body feeling in any patient at the end of the follow-up period.ConclusionThis feasible and safe alternative anterior inlay patch repair might be used in all femoral hernias with the exception of the ones requiring intestinal resection.