Biomedical subjects

B J Ramshaw

Publications and source records attributed to B J Ramshaw.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Resistance to adhesion formation: a comparative study of treated and untreated mesh products placed in the abdominal cavity.

BACKGROUND: New materials have been devised to prevent postoperative adhesions when placing a prosthesis in contact with abdominal contents. METHODS: Eighty rats underwent laparotomy and denudation of the serosa of the cecum and peritoneal covering of the abdominal wall. Five treated mesh products (Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, Bard Composix E/X, Sepramesh, and Gore-Tex Dual Mesh) and one untreated mesh product (untreated Parietene) were randomly placed between the cecum and abdominal wall. A group without mesh was used as control. The animals were sacrificed at 21 days following surgery and analyzed for the presence of adhesions. RESULTS: The incidence of adhesion formation, mean adhesion area, maximum adhesion length, and strength of adhesion separation were similar between Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, and Bard Composix E/X, and they were significantly less than with Sepramesh, untreated Parietene, and the control group. Gore-Tex Dual Mesh resulted in less adhesions, adhesion area, mean strength of separation, and work of separation than the untreated Parietene group and the control group. Sepramesh resulted in less strength and work of separation compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adhesions and work and strength of adhesion separation are reduced when using a treated mesh, compared to the untreated mesh and the control group without mesh. Parietex Composite, Parietene Composite, Bard Composix E/X, and Gore-Tex Dual Mesh were superior to Sepramesh, untreated Parietene, and the control group in the prevention of adhesion formation.

Abdominal Cavity↗

PubMed2003

Laparoscopic vs open resection for the treatment of diverticular disease.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic colon resection (LCR) offers any advantages over open colon resection (OCR) in the treatment of diverticular disease. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2002, 95 patients underwent LCR and 80 patients underwent OCR for the treatment of diverticular disease. Demographics, details of operative procedure, outcome, and pathology were compared. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were matched for age, sex, body mass index, history of previous abdominal operations, comorbidities, location of the disease, and presence of complications. LCR resulted in significantly less estimated blood loss and postoperative complications, shorter time to first bowel movement, and shorter length of stay than the OCR. There was no difference in operative time, intraoperative complications, mortality rates between groups. CONCLUSIONS: LCR is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of patients with diverticular disease. It results in less estimated blood loss, shorter time to first bowel movement, less postoperative complications, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

After 10 years and 1903 inguinal hernias, what is the outcome for the laparoscopic repair?

BACKGROUND: The procedure of choice for inguinal hernia repair has remained controversial for decades. The laparoscopic approach has now been utilized for more than 10 years, and a significant volume of patient outcomes is now available for review. METHODS: The hospital and office records of 1388 patients who underwent 1903 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs at Atlanta Medical Center during the past 10 years were retrospectively reviewed in order to determine demographics, recurrence rate, and complications. In addition, 123 hernia repairs were prospectively studied in 71 patients during this time period in order to accurately evaluate postoperative pain and return to activity. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five (13.4%) hernias were recurrent and 1648 (86.6%) were primary. Five hundred and fifteen (37.1%) hernias were bilateral. The total extraperitoneal approach was utilized for 1561 (82.0%) of the 1903 repairs. The average operative time was 75.4 (14-193) minutes. Estimated blood loss was 22.0 (0-250) ml. Seventeen patients (1.2%) were converted to an open form of hernia repair. Minor complications occurred in 83 (6.0%) patients and major complications occurred in 18 (1.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is a safe form of inguinal hernia repair that offers the patient a shorter and less painful recovery with an extremely low recurrence rate.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

The role of multimedia interactive programs in training for laparoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: The application of minimally invasive techniques to the performance of abdominal surgery by general surgeons has been perhaps the greatest advance in the history of general surgery. The safe adoption of many of these procedures, however, has been hampered by significant obstacles, mainly due to the problem of providing adequate training for surgeons. Outside of animal and cadaver labs, most training has been didactic in nature, and adoption rates after completion of these courses are discouraging. Multimedia interactive training has been used in a number of high-tech industries with great success. A >60% improvement in the learning curve after multimedia interactive training, as compared to traditional didactic training, has been reported. Multimedia interactive training programs for surgeons that use content and input from multiple experts in laparoscopic procedures have now been developed. METHODS: Residents from a general surgery residency program who used these programs were asked to rate their effectiveness in increasing their knowledge and comfort level prior to their participation in a real procedure as the primary surgeon or first assistant. A comparison to other traditional training techniques was also made. Eleven residents completed 41 programs designed to teach one of five different laparoscopic procedures-cholecystectomy, fundoplication, appendectomy, colon resection, or hernia repair. RESULTS: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, the residents reported that the multimedia interactive training programs raised their knowledge level of the procedure from 6.0 to 8.7 (+2.7 point value increase after using the multimedia interactive program). The programs increased their comfort level when actually called on to perform or assist with the procedure from 5.3 to 8.1 (+2.8 point value increase after using the multimedia interactive program). In comparing the value of training methods for learning laparoscopic procedures, the residents rated text, lectures, videos, and animal labs at 4.7, 5.1, 6.0 and 7.3, respectively. By comparison, the residents rated the multimedia interactive training program at 8.8. CONCLUSION: The use of multimedia interactive training programs in addition to current laparoscopic training courses may help to increase the safe adoption of laparoscopic procedures. These programs may be a beneficial adjunct to residency training programs.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a report of 100 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Effective surgical therapy for ventral and incisional hernias is problematic. Recurrence rates following primary repair range as high as 25-49%, and breakdown following conventional treatment of recurrent hernias can exceed 50%. As an alternative, laparoscopic techniques offer the potential benefits of decreased pain and a shorter hospital stay. This study evaluates the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach for ventral herniorrhaphy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for 100 consecutive patients with ventral hernias who underwent laparoscopic repair at our institutions between November 1995 and May 1998. All patients who presented during this period and were candidates for a mesh hernia repair were treated via an endoscopic approach. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. There were 48 men and 52 women. The patients were typically obese, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31 kg/m(2). Each had undergone an average of 2.5 (range; 0-8) previous laparotomies. Forty-nine repairs were performed for recurrent hernias. An average of two patients (range; 1-7) had previously failed open herniorhaphies; in 20 cases, intraabdominal polypropylene mesh was present. There were no conversions to open operation. The mean size of the defects was large at 87 cm(2) (range; 1-480). In all cases, the mesh (average, 287 cm(2)) was secured with transabdominal sutures and metal tacks or staples. Operative time and estimated blood loss averaged 88 min (range; 18-270) and 30 cc (range; 10-150). Length of stay averaged 1. 6 days (range; 0-4). There were 12 minor and (two) major complications: cellulitis of the trocar site (two), seroma lasting >4 weeks (three), postoperative ileus (two), suture site pain > 2 weeks (two), urinary retention (one), respiratory distress (one), serosal bowel injury (one), and skin breakdown (one) and bowel injury (one). Both of the latter complications required mesh removal. With an average follow-up of 22.5 months (range; 7-37), there have been (three) recurrences. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to the repair of both primary and recurrent ventral hernias offers a low conversion rate, a short hospital stay, and few complications. At 23 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate has been 3%. Laparoscopic repair should be considered a viable option for any ventral hernia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair in 407 patients.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence rates after primary repair of ventral and incisional hernias range from 25% to 52%. Recurrence after open surgery is less likely if mesh is used, but the wide fascial dissection and required flap creation increase complication rates. Laparoscopic techniques offer an alternative. STUDY DESIGN: To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic ventral and incisional herniorrhaphy, we reviewed the records of all our patients who underwent such a procedure from November 1993 to August 1999. A laparoscopic approach was attempted in all patients considered to require a mesh repair. Patient demographic characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of 415 patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic ventral or incisional herniorrhaphy, conversion to an open procedure was necessary in 8. All the remaining 407 patients (205 men and 202 women; mean age 53.2 years; range 13 to 88 years) were included in the study. Mean fascial defect size was 100.1 cm2 (range 1 to 480 cm2). In 97% of patients, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh was used. Mean operating time was 97 minutes (range 11 to 270 minutes). Mean estimated blood loss was 35 mL (range 10 to 150 mL). Average hospital stay was 1.8 days (range 0 to 17 days). There were 53 complications (13.0%), including cellulitis of a trocar site, infection requiring mesh removal, prolonged suture pain, persistent seroma, intestinal injury, hematoma or postoperative bleeding, prolonged ileus, urinary retention, respiratory distress, fever, intraabdominal abscess, and trocar site herniation. There were no deaths. During a mean followup time of 23 months (range 1 to 60 months), there were 14 hernia recurrences (3.4%), 6 in patients in whom only a stapling device (no sutures) had been used to secure the mesh to the abdominal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair was completed in 98.1% of patients in whom it was attempted. The complication rate was acceptable. A short hospital stay and minimal blood loss were documented. The recurrence rate was 3.4%. Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair appear to be safe and effective.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Laparoscopy for diagnosis and staging of malignancy.

The use of minimally invasive surgery for abdominal pathology, including malignancy, has increased significantly within the past decade. Despite the advances in radiographic imaging, the use of laparoscopy for diagnosing and staging abdominal malignancy has become an important tool in the overall care of these patients. A review of published series for a variety of abdominal malignancies is presented. With the growing experience in this technique, some preliminary conclusions and ongoing issues are discussed.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Comparison of laparoscopic and open ventral herniorrhaphy.

The repair of large and/or recurrent ventral hernias is associated with significant complications and a recurrence rate that can be more than 50 per cent. Laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy, a recent development, has been shown to be safe and effective in the repair of ventral hernias. This study retrospectively reviews all ventral hernia repairs over a 3-year period, November 1995 through December 1998, at a community-based teaching hospital. The purpose of the study was to compare open and laparoscopic repairs. A total of 253 ventral hernia repairs were performed during this time, 174 open and 79 laparoscopic. The age, weight, and sex distribution was similar for each group. The hernias in the open group averaged 34.1 cm2 in size, and mesh used averaged 47.3 cm2. In the laparoscopic group, the hernia defect averaged 73.0 cm2, and the mesh size averaged 287.4 cm2. Operative time was longer in the open group, 82.0 versus 58.0 minutes. In the open group, there were 38 (21.8%) minor and 8 (4.6%) major complications, compared with 13 (16.5%) minor and 2 (2.5%) major complications in the laparoscopic group. Hospital stay was shorter for the laparoscopic group, 1.7 versus 2.8 days. At an average follow-up of 21 months (range, 2-40 months), there have been 36 recurrences in the open group (20.7%) compared with 2 recurrences in the laparoscopic group (2.5%). In this series, laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy compares favorably to open ventral herniorrhaphy with respect to wound complications, hospital stay, operative time, and recurrence rate.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1999

Laparoscopic repair of bilateral and recurrent hernias.

The optimal inguinal hernia repair has been controversial for decades. Since the advent of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic techniques have added to the controversy. Laparoscopic hernia repair has been advocated by many experts for the repair of bilateral and recurrent inguinal hernias. This study reviews the experience of a single community-based teaching hospital using the total extraperitoneal (TEP)-approach laparoscopic hernia repair for treating patients with bilateral and/or recurrent inguinal hernias. Since the TEP approach was adopted in June 1993, a total of 457 patients were treated for bilateral (322 patients) and/or recurrent (175) inguinal hernias (40 patients had recurrent and bilateral hernias). A total of 779 hernias were repaired with this technique. The average age of this patient group was 47 years, and there were 413 males and 44 females. Operative time averaged 68.3 minutes per patient, and there were 26 (5.7%) minor complications. There were 2 (0.4%) major complications, an enterotomy and a cystotomy, both early in the series and both in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery. There have been no deaths. With an average follow-up of 30 months (range, 1-60 months), there have been three (0.2%) recurrences. These recurrences were due to technical problems (inadequate mesh coverage), and each was repaired with a laparoscopic transabdominal approach or an anterior open approach. The use of the TEP-approach laparoscopic hernia repair is safe and effective in patients with recurrent and/or bilateral inguinal hernias.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed1997

500 total extraperitoneal approach laparoscopic herniorrhaphies: a single-institution review.

At Georgia Baptist Medical Center, a community-based, university-affiliated hospital, we adopted the total extraperitoneal approach (TEPA) to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy due to potential complications in entering the abdominal cavity reported previously with the transabdominal preperitoneal technique (Am Surg 1996;62:69-72). We have also employed regional anesthesia (epidural) in 108 patients in whom the TEPA was utilized. In our institution, the TEPA has compared favorably to the transabdominal preperitoneal technique, with lower complication and recurrence rates. In patients with previous lower abdominal surgery, the TEPA is considered a relative contraindication due to the increased risk of complications (Am Surg 1997, in press). Since June 1993, we have performed 503 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies using the TEPA, with encouraging early results. To date, two recurrences have been reported, one with previous lower abdominal surgery and another whose recurrence was noted to be secondary to incomplete reapproximation of the mesh with staples around the cord structures. Four major complications include two bowel perforations and two cystotomies noted during balloon dissection of the preperitoneal space. Three of these patients had previous lower abdominal surgery. Epidural anesthesia was used in 108 patients, 4 of whom required conversion to general anesthesia due to peritoneal tears and pain associated with pneumoperitoneum. All four of these patients had previous lower abdominal surgery. In summary, the TEPA remains a viable technique for laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with acceptable complication and recurrence rates. Epidural anesthesia is well tolerated by the patients undergoing this particular repair. We feel that lower abdominal surgery may be a mitigating factor in selection of the TEPA. Continued re-evaluation of the procedure is warranted before definitive conclusions can be made.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Twenty-year review of a breast cancer screening project. Ninety-five percent survival of patients with nonpalpable cancers.

BACKGROUND: In 1973, the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project at the Georgia Baptist Medical Center began screening supposedly asymptomatic women for breast cancer. The project has been reviewed and now 20 years later, the follow-up of those women with detected cancer who were matched with a group of the original cohort with negative screens is reported. Early criticism of the project was its "lead-time bias," which, after 20 years, should pose no problem. METHODS: Approximately 9043 women were screened for 5 years. The remainder of the total of 10,000 women were screened at the Emory University Department of Radiology. The 128 patients who were found to have breast cancer were observed for over 20 years. A matched group of 1609, who had negative results when originally screened, were also observed for 20 years. RESULTS: After 20 years, approximately 86% of the 128 women diagnosed with breast cancer were still free of disease, including 88.3% of women with lesions of less than 1.1 cm and 95.1% of those with nonpalpable carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: Over 95% of the 67 women with nonpalpable lesions were alive after 20 years of follow-up. Women not screened yearly tend to have larger lesions than those screened on a regular basis. Regular screening is currently the best way to control this disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

A comparison of the approaches to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of accepted techniques for herniorrhaphy. With the advent of laparoscopic general surgery, new endoscopic techniques using the transabdominal and total extraperitoneal approaches have been added to the many options for the repair of inguinal hernia. The purpose of this study was to compare the early results of these approaches at a single institution. METHODS: Between May 1991 and August 1994, 600 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies were performed on 493 patients. Three hundred hernias were repaired using the transabdominal preperitoneal approach and 300 were repaired using the total extraperitoneal approach. A retrospective review was performed with emphasis on the comparison of recurrence rates and complication rates between these two approaches to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. RESULTS: The recurrence rates were 2.0% (6/300) for the transabdominal approach and 0.3% (1/300) for the total extraperitoneal approach. The complication rate for the transabdominal approach was 10.7% and included thigh paresthesias (6), inferior epigastric artery injuries (4), enterotomy (1), bowel obstruction (1), bladder injury (1), and urinary retention (14). The complication rate for the total extraperitoneal approach was 3.7% and included enterotomies (2), bladder injury (1), paresthesia (1), and urinary retention (6). The recurrence, the enterotomies, and the bladder injury in the total extraperitoneal group were all in patients who had previous lower abdominal operations. CONCLUSIONS: Although both the transabdominal preperitoneal and total extraperitoneal approaches to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy have acceptable recurrence and complication rates, there were significant advantages to the total extraperitoneal approach in our institution. Previous lower abdominal surgery may be a relative contraindication to the total extraperitoneal approach.

Abdomen↗

PubMed1996

Laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease: preliminary results of a prospective trial.

To determine the technical feasibility and success of laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 18 consecutive adult patients were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients had received unsuccessful conservative treatment, were refractory to medical management, or had recurrence of symptoms of esophagitis after omeprazole therapy. All patients had severe acid reflux on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopic evidence of previous or ongoing esophagitis, and a defective lower esophageal sphincter on manometry. Complete (Nissen) fundoplication was done in 11 and partial (Toupet) fundoplication in 7 patients; the mean operative time was 183 minutes (range, 120 to 357 minutes). Feedings were initiated on the first postoperative day, and the average length of stay was 2.6 days (range, 1 to 6). There were no deaths or conversions to laparotomy. Postoperative morbidity consisted of transient bloating in three patients and dysphagia requiring dilatation in four patients. Return to work or normal activity averaged 19 days (range, 3 to 28), and 17 patients (94%) reported good to excellent results, with a median follow-up of 7 months. Laparoscopic fundoplication is technically feasible and offers a sound surgical alternative to patients with refractory GERD, but longitudinal follow-up is required to confirm long-term results.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Technical considerations of the different approaches to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy: an analysis of 500 cases.

Between April 1991 and April 1994, 500 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies have been performed at our institution. The transabdominal preperitoneal approach was used for 290 repairs, and the total extraperitoneal approach was used for 210 repairs. Although both repairs resulted in acceptable recurrence and complication rates, we adopted the total extraperitoneal approach in June 1993, with a resulting lower recurrence rate (0.5% versus 2.1%) and lower complication rate (3.1% versus 11.1%) when compared with the transabdominal approach. In this retrospective review, four epigastric vessel injuries (1.6%) and one bowel obstruction from a port hernia (0.5%) were attributed to the lateral port placement in the transabdominal approach. There were also two visceral injuries (1.0%) from entering the abdominal cavity in the transabdominal approach. The one visceral injury (0.6%) in the total extraperitoneal approach was a result of the balloon dissection in a patient with multiple previous lower abdominal operations. Better exposure and lateral visualization of the extraperitoneal space has led to less incidence of nerve injury (0.0% versus 2.4%) and a lower recurrence rate (0.5% versus 2.1%) in the total extraperitoneal approach. The total extraperitoneal approach to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy compares favorably to the transabdominal approach in our institution. The improved results may have been due to the technical differences between these approaches.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

The effect of previous lower abdominal surgery on performing the total extraperitoneal approach to laparoscopic herniorrhaphy.

At Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we adopted the total extraperitoneal approach (TEPA) to laparoscopic herniorrhaphies because of the concerns of potential early and late complications associated with entering the abdominal cavity. In our institution, the TEPA has compared favorably with the transabdominal approach, with lower complication and recurrence rates. There has been concern, however, in performing the TEPA in patients with previous lower abdominal surgery. The question has been raised that there is increased risk of complications in these patients. From June 1993 to May 1994, we performed 247 laparoscopic herniorrhaphies in 192 patients using the TEPA. Of these, 55 hernias were repaired in 45 patients with previous lower abdominal surgery. Overall retrospective results showed a slightly higher complication rate (23.1% vs 11.3%) and slightly higher recurrence rate (1.8% vs 0%) in the patients with previous surgery over those without. Although these differences are not statistically significant, it is important to keep these risks in mind when selecting the appropriate hernia repair for each patient.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy: technical concerns in prevention of complications and early recurrence.

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy continues to gain popularity, but should be subjected to proper scrutiny before widespread acceptance. From 5/91 to 6/93, 290 transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic herniorrhaphies were performed on 244 adult patients at Georgia Baptist Medical Center. Procedures consisted of indirect (164), direct (73), femoral (5), obturator (7), and recurrent (41) hernia repairs, with a mean operative time of 81.2 minutes (range 30-193 min). The overall technical complication rate was 5.3% and includes lateral thigh paresthesias (6), inferior epigastric artery injury (4), enterotomy during adhesiolysis (1), bowel obstruction secondary to herniation through a lateral trocar site (1), and bladder injury (1). The recurrence rate is 1% (3/290), with a mean follow up of 11 months (range 2-27 months). The authors present herein a discussion of technical considerations in an attempt to help decrease complications and recurrence as others incorporate laparoscopic hernia repair into their surgical armamentarium.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis.

One hundred consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis were evaluated to assess the appropriate clinical setting for laparoscopic appendectomy. The usefulness of diagnostic laparoscopy in the setting of acute abdominal pain has been well documented. However, there is debate about the use of laparoscopy for definitive therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the decision making process during diagnostic laparoscopy for suspected appendicitis. When pathology is identified other than in the appendix, the majority of patients can be treated without converting to an open procedure. In patients found to have no obvious pathology, incidental appendectomy can be performed laparoscopically. When appendicitis was identified, the majority of patients could be treated safely without converting to an open technique. However, there were certain clinical situations that necessitated conversion to an open operation. Involvement of the cecum or perforation at the base of the appendix puts the appendiceal stump at risk for leak and abscess formation. Evaluation of the cecum by palpation for a mass should also be performed in this situation. Another situation in which conversion to an open technique is warranted is an appendiceal abscess with adherent small bowel. The friability of bowel wall greatly increases the risk for bowel injury in this setting. Laparoscopy is a useful technique for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain even if the appendix is normal on inspection. Conversion to an open operation should be employed when inflammation or perforation occurs at the base of the appendix and when bowel is found to be adherent to an appendiceal abscess.

Abdomen, Acute↗

PubMed1995

A comparison of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal approach (TEPA) laparoscopic herniorrhaphies.

There are a variety of accepted techniques for herniorrhaphy. With the advent of laparoscopic general surgery, laparoscopic transabdominal and total extraperitoneal techniques have been added to the many options for repair of the inguinal hernia. From 5/91 to 6/93 we had performed 290 transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopic herniorrhaphies on 244 adult patients. Due to concerns of potential early and late complications associated with entering the abdominal cavity, we adopted the total extraperitoneal approach (TEPA) for laparoscopic herniorrhaphies in 6/93. Between 6/93 and 12/93, 118 hernias have been repaired in 95 patients using the total extraperitoneal approach. In a retrospective comparison between these two procedures, the recurrence rate is 1.7% (5/290) for TAPP herniorrhaphies and 0% (0/118) for the TEPA. The overall complication rate for TAPP herniorrhaphies was 11.1% and included thigh paresthesias (6), inferior epigastric artery injuries (4), enterotomy (1), bowel obstruction (1), bladder injury (1), and urinary retention (14). The overall complication rate for the TEPA was 3.2% and included bladder injury (1), and urinary retention (2). Mean operative time was similar between these groups (TAPP-81.2 minutes, TEPA-92.9 minutes).

Adolescent↗