Herniography and ultrasonography. A prospective study comparing the effectiveness of laparoscopic hernia repair with extraperitoneal balloon dissection.

Background: This study was designed to assess differences between pre- and postoperative herniography and ultrasonography in inguinal hernia performed laparoscopically with balloon dissection and mesh without suture.

Methods: Pre- and postoperative herniographic and ultrasonographic findings were analyzed in ten consecutive patients. Postoperative ultrasonography was performed on the 3rd and 7th days and herniography was performed on the 7th day.

Results: Following the operation both the herniography and ultrasonography were almost normalized to a great extent in nine patients. Overall, minimal impaired continence was recorded by herniography in one patient. Also, we detected nonspecific soft-tissue thickening at the operation site in ultrasonographic examination in four patients.

Conclusions: As for inguinal hernias, compared with other operative modalities of treatment, laparoscopic hernia repair with extraperitoneal balloon dissection and mesh without suture is a highly successful procedure and its minimal morbidity is well accepted by the patient.