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Background We performed a historical review of events concerning retromuscular hernia repairs over the last two centuries. This may shed light on surgical innovators and their novel techniques that have evolved into current practices. Methods Literature reviews of notable surgeons in the subspecialty were reviewed. Historical context was obtained by personal communication with contemporary surgeons who witnessed changes in established techniques firsthand. Results Even though retromuscular repairs are the central theme of this exercise, it is important to note several adjacent events which steered surgical progress. The status of hernia surgery today is the result of the work of several pioneers separated by time and distance. Conclusions It may be important to understand the circumstances that have propelled past surgical breakthroughs to stimulate future progress.

BackgroundGroin hernia management has a significant worldwide diversity with multiple surgical techniques and variable outcomes. The International guidelines for groin hernia management serve to help in groin hernia management, but the acceptance among general surgeons remains unknown. The aim of our study was to gauge the degree of agreement with the guidelines among health care professionals worldwide.MethodsForty-six key statements and recommendations of the International guidelines for groin hernia management were selected and presented at plenary consensus conferences at four international congresses in Europe, the America’s and Asia. Participants could cast their votes through live voting. Additionally, a web survey was sent out to all society members allowing online voting after each congress. Consensus was defined as > 70% agreement among all participants.ResultsIn total 822 surgeons cast their vote on the key statements and recommendations during the four plenary consensus meetings or via the web survey. Consensus was reached on 34 out of 39 (87%) recommendations, and on six out of seven (86%) statements. No consensus was reached on the use of light versus heavy-weight meshes (69%), superior cost-effectiveness of day-case laparo-endoscopic repair (69%), omitting prophylactic antibiotics in hernia repair, general or local versus regional anesthesia in elderly patients (55%) and re-operation in case of immediate postoperative pain (59%).ConclusionGlobally, there is 87% consensus regarding the diagnosis and management of groin hernias. This provides a solid basis for standardizing the care path of patients with groin hernias.

The analysis of possible mechanisms of repair failure is a necessary instrument and the best way to decrease the recurrence rate and improve the overall results. Avoiding historical errors and learning from the reported pitfalls and mistakes helps to standardize the relatively new laparoscopic techniques of trans-abdominal preperitoneal and total extraperitoneal. The video tapes of all primary laparoscopic repairs done by the author that led to recurrence were retrospectively analyzed and compared with findings at the second laparoscopic repair. A review of the available cases of recurrences occurring between 1994 and 2003 is the basis of this report. Adequate mesh size, porosity of mesh material, slitting of the mesh, correct and generous dissection of preperitoneal space and wrinkle-free placement of the mesh seem to be the more important factors in avoiding recurrence rather than strength of the material or strong penetrating fixation. Special attention should be paid to preperitoneal lipoma as a possible overlooked herniation or potential future pseudorecurrence despite nondislocated correctly positioned mesh. Laparoscopic hernia repair is a complex but very efficient method in experienced hands. To achieve the best possible results, it requires an acceptance of a longer learning curve, structured well-mentored training and high level of standardization of the operative procedure.

In the Acknowledgments, Lars N. Jorgensen of the HerniaSurge Group was incorrectly listed as: “Lars Jorgensen, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.” The correct listing should have read: “Lars N. Jorgensen, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.”

Aim: The analysis of possible mechanisms of repair failure is a necessary instrument and the best way to decrease the recurrence rate and improve the overall results. Avoiding historical errors and learning from the reported pitfalls and mistakes helps to standardize the relatively new laparoscopic techniques of trans-abdominal preperitoneal and total extraperitoneal. Materials and Methods: The video tapes of all primary laparoscopic repairs done by the author that led to recurrence were retrospectively analyzed and compared with findings at the second laparoscopic repair. A review of the available cases of recurrences occurring between 1994 and 2003 is the basis of this report. Summary: Adequate mesh size, porosity of mesh material, slitting of the mesh, correct and generous dissection of preperitoneal space and wrinkle-free placement of the mesh seem to be the more important factors in avoiding recurrence rather than strength of the material or strong penetrating fixation. Special attention should be paid to preperitoneal lipoma as a possible overlooked herniation or potential future pseudorecurrence despite nondislocated correctly positioned mesh. Conclusion: Laparoscopic hernia repair is a complex but very efficient method in experienced hands. To achieve the best possible results, it requires an acceptance of a longer learning curve, structured well-mentored training and high level of standardization of the operative procedure.

TAPP hernia repair is a quite well-standardised procedure. A consequent adherence to the principles of minimal invasive surgery and a profound knowledge of the local preperitoneal anatomy should prevent the majority of possible adverse events. Nevertheless, complications do exist. The true incidence of complications in laparoscopic hernia repair is certainly underreported. The systematic study of the nature and the mechanism of complications is the best way to prevent them and to learn how to react correctly when they still occur. Overall complication rate in laparo-endoscopic hernia repair is low. In order to anticipate and avoid all possible and nearly impossible problems, it is recommended to analyse the whole procedure thoroughly and create a checklist of it - plan A. Plan B is a collection of solutions on how to manage the known complications. Plan C is difficult to develop: it is the experience, the intuition and the know-how of dealing with the unexpected. Conclusion: It is worth to invest in structured teaching of any surgical procedure. Most complications of TAPP repair are avoidable. Present analysis tries to support the prevention of complications by awareness and knowledge.