Open Versus Laparoscopic Incarcerated or Strangulated Inguinal Hernia Repair – A Review

Is Laparoscopic Repair a Safety Technique in Emergency?

Abstract

Minimal access surgery or laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the surgical world since its introduction in the 1980s. The evidence for elective laparoscopic groin hernia repair is well established. However, there are only handfuls of literatures on the evidence of emergency laparoscopic groin hernia repairs. In this review article we delineated details on how laparoscopy in emergency incarcerated or strangulated inguinal hernia repair benefits patients, and surgical technique and special precaution required during the operation. During open surgery surgeon to idle for 10–20 min trying to make a return on the bowel condition to prepare for bowel resection, and since its emergency condition and time essence for the surgeon so most of the time, surgeon would just proceed for bowel resection. Whereas, laparoscopic surgery allows ample time for the strangulated bowel to recover, and this in fact will avoid unnecessary laparotomy and bowel resection since most of the time the strangulated bowel can recovered if it allowed enough time for them to revascularize. In conclusion, laparoscopic approach for incarcerated or strangulated inguinal emergency hernias repair has its benefits in several areas over minimal access surgery which contribute to the improvement in clinical outcomes. However, careful selection of patients and a sufficient knowledge of anatomy and expertise in the reduction of the strangulated organs are required.