Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty (TAPP) Performed by Residents Under Supervision: An Observational Study in a University Hospital.

INTRODUCTION

Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic repair of groin hernias has demonstrated high success rates with a reduced risk of postoperative complications. However, achieving optimal outcomes requires dedicated training for surgical residents. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty using the TAPP technique when performed by general surgery residents under supervision at a university hospital, and to describe patient characteristics and postoperative complications.

METHOD: This was an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study of patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinocrural hernioplasty using the TAPP technique performed by general surgery residents at Presidente Dutra University Hospital between 2017 and 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were included; 84.4% were male, and 58.44% reported symptom duration of up to two years. Postoperative complications were observed in 31.17% of cases: 3.9% developed surgical site infection at the umbilical port; 2.6% had hematoma; 12.99% developed scrotal seroma; 14.29% reported chronic pain; and 2.6% experienced hernia recurrence. Complications were classified as Clavien-Dindo27 (CD) IIIA in 11.69% and CD II in 12.99% of patients. All patients who reported severe pain at late postoperative follow-up progressed to chronic pain (p < 0.001), as did 90% of those with complications classified as CD II. Most patients who developed a seroma had a disease duration of more than three years.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty using the TAPP technique, when performed by residents under supervision, demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, with most complications being low grade, supporting the feasibility of incorporating this procedure into surgical training programs.