OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical value of modified transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair of groin hernias in adult patients.

METHODFrom May 2006 to April 2008, modified TAPP repair for hernia was performed in 403 adult patients with groin hernia and 22 with femoral hernia. Indirect hernia sac was treated by high ligation of the hernia sac in similar fashion with the management in children, while direct or femoral hernia was treated by dissecting the hernia sac. An incision was made on the lateral umbilical ligament, and the mesh was stapled and covered completely by the peritoneum of the lateral umbilical ligament, followed by fixation of the mesh with stapling and absorbable sutures.

RESULTSAll the operations were accomplished successfully with the operating time from 20 to 30 min for unilateral hemioplasty and the blood loss volume was 4-5 ml. Two patients developed scrotal edema and three showed scrotal seroma. No hernia recurrence was found in follow-up for 2-22 months. The patients complained of no intestinal obstruction symptoms including traction pain, abdominal pain, or nausea or urinary bladder stimulation symptoms.

CONCLUSIONSModified TAPP repair of groin hernias requires simple operation and produces reliable effect, and is therefore of clinical values for wide application.