Lumbar total disc replacement from an extreme lateral approach: clinical experience with a minimum of 2 years' follow-up.

Object: current lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) devices require an anterior approach for implantation. This approach has inherent limitations, including risks to abdominal structures and the need for resection of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL). Placement of a TDR device from a true lateral (extreme lateral interbody fusion [XLIF]) approach is thought to offer a less invasive option to access the disc space, preserving the stabilizing ligaments and avoiding scarring of anterior vasculature.

Transabdominal or totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair?

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias follows some principles that have already proven its efficiency, as a posterior approach and the prosthetic repair that allows a "tension-free" repair with consequent early return to work and low recurrence rate. To determine the most appropriate laparoscopic repair, we compared the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach. Patients undergoing TAPP and TEP were compared regarding technical feasibility and difficulties, time until return to work and follow-up, including intraoperative and postoperative complications.