OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (SILS-TEP) with self-made port for repairing of inguinal hernia.

METHODSSILS-TEP was performed in 7 inguinal hernia patients (9 sides) with conventional laparoscopic instruments and self-made port, which composed of a wound retractor, surgical gloves and 3 ordinary trocars. The clinical data and follow-up results of 7 cases were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTSThe self-made port was applied for SILS-TEP uneventfully without the need of additional ports in all 7 patients (9 inguinal hernias). The median operating time was 90. 0 (70-125) min, intraoperative blood loss was 10. 0 (5. 0-20. 0) mL and postoperative hospital stay was 2.0 (2. 0-4. 0) d. The median pain scores of visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 h,12 h, 24 h and 14 d were 3(2~4), 2(1~2), 1(0~2) and 0(0~1), respectively. There were no intraoperative complications reported, and all patients were satisfied with wound healing. No hernia recurrence was observed during the 3-months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONOur initial experiences show that SILS-TEP with self-made port is a safe and feasible surgery, which can simplify the procedure with available equipments and reduce the cost, therefore can be applied in grass-root hospitals.