Endoscopic repair of large inguinoscrotal hernias: management of the distal sac to avoid seroma formation.

BACKGROUND: The best approaches to repairing large inguinoscrotal hernias and handling of the distal sac are still debated. Complete dissection of a distal sac which extends deep into the scrotum carries a risk of orchitis and damage to the cord structures. However, failure to deal with the distal sac often results in the formation of a large and bothersome seroma or pseudohydrocele. We describe a technique for managing large distal sacs to avoid clinically important seromas when repairing large inguinoscrotal hernias, using the enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (e-TEP) endoscopic technique.

METHODS: From October 2010 to November 2011, 94 consecutive elective hernia repairs were performed using the e-TEP technique. Six of these patients had large inguinoscrotal hernias, defined as hernias extending deep into the scrotum with a distal sac not amenable to dissection. In these six patients, we managed the distal sac by pulling it out of the scrotum and fixing it high and laterally to the posterior inguinal wall. We prospectively followed these patients and examined them at 8 days and 1 and 3 months postoperatively, looking specifically for signs or symptoms of seroma. Ultrasonography was performed at each follow-up visit.

RESULTS: Only one of the patients had developed a seroma by the eighth postoperative day. The seroma was drained and did not recur or produce symptoms during the following 3 months. There were no major complications or early recurrences in the series.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with large inguinoscrotal hernias and sacs extending deep into the scrotum can benefit from reduction and fixation of the distal sac high and laterally to the posterior inguinal wall. This technique lowers the risk of developing clinically significant seroma.