Development of scar-less laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP-252) facilitated by new 2mm instruments

Abstract

Introduction: To minimize the invasiveness of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) for the treatment of adult inguinal hernia, we developed a new operative technique with the use of only one 5 mm port and two 2 mm punctures (TAPP-252).

Material and methods: To facilitate TAPP-252, we developed seven kinds of new 2 mm instruments, including grasping forceps, hook shaped electrode, mesh pusher, needle driver, scissors, laparoscope and port.

Results: TAPP-252 was stably performed in 35 patients with minimal abdominal wall destruction and excellent cosmetic result without any recurrence or morbidity.

Conclusions: The newly developed 2 mm devices showed sufficient performance and durability in TAPP-252. Further investigation is necessary to assess durability and long-term outcomes.

Keywords:

• Needlescopic surgery
• reduced port surgery
• TAPP
• hernia
• minilaparoscopy

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the staffs of Niti-On Company, Japan for their enthusiastic cooperation in the development of BJ lineups.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.