This retrospective chart review evaluated outcomes following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphies with non-cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) by one surgeon in a community teaching facility hospital. Mesh was sutured and/or tacked in the preperitoneal space. Postoperative visits were scheduled at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, and then at 6-month intervals up to 2 years. PADM was placed in 14 male patients (mean age, 41.1 years). Seven patients had bilateral hernias. One patient required intraoperative conversion to open herniorrhaphy based on diagnostic laparoscopy findings. PADM sizes were 6 3 10 to 12 3 16 cm; mean operative time was 102 minutes. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and resumed full activity. This treatment approach was effective, with no recurrence or complications during a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 13-25 months). Synthetic mesh is often used in conjunction with both open and laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hernia recurrence compared with primary repair without mesh.9 However, synthetic mesh has been associated with postoperative complications such as infection, which can occur during the acute or longterm postsurgical period, [13][14][15] and longer-term complications such as chronic pain, fistula formation, and extrusion. [16][17][18][19] Infection following synthetic mesh insertion 19,20 often leads to explantation of the mesh, which may result in increased patient morbidity and use of health care resources. 20,21 Biologic matrices support tissue revascularization and are thought to resist infection better than synthetic meshes.13 Several biologic alternatives to synthetic mesh have been developed, including a non-cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM; Strattice Reconstructive Tissue Matrix, LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, New Jersey). The structure of PADM is strong and biocompatible, and it allows for cellular infiltration, vascularization, and tissue remodeling. 22 Clinical studies have shown the utility of PADM in several surgical procedures, including chest wall reconstruction, 23 breast reconstruction surgery, 24 and ventral herniorrhaphy. 25 To date, limited data have been reported about biologic matrix use in laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy. [26][27][28] To the author's knowledge, results from studies assessing the use of PADM in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair have not been previously reported. This retrospective chart review evaluated the results of laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy in 14 patients using a totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach with placement of PADM. Postoperative recurrence and complication rates associated with this procedure were evaluated for a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 13-25 months).
Patients and MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent elective laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy with use of PADM performed by the author in a commu...