Hernia Hernia Surgery and Repair Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which laparoscopic hernia repair approach avoids entering the peritoneal cavity?
- TAPP
- TEP (Correct answer)
- Open Lichtenstein
- McVay
Correct answer: TEP
TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) repair works entirely in the preperitoneal space, avoiding peritoneal entry and reducing visceral injury risk.
Question 2: What is the main advantage of laparoscopic hernia repair over open repair for bilateral inguinal hernias?
- Less expensive
- Both hernias can be repaired through the same small incisions (Correct answer)
- No mesh is needed
- Shorter hospital stays for emergency cases
Correct answer: Both hernias can be repaired through the same small incisions
Laparoscopic repair allows simultaneous bilateral inguinal hernia correction through the same port sites, avoiding a second open incision.
Question 3: What type of anesthesia is typically used for open inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia protocols?
- General anesthesia only
- Spinal anesthesia only
- Local anesthetic with sedation (Correct answer)
- Epidural anesthesia only
Correct answer: Local anesthetic with sedation
Many open inguinal hernia repairs can be performed safely under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, reducing anesthesia risks.
Question 4: What complication specific to inguinal hernia repair involves injury to the vas deferens?
- Hernia recurrence
- Testicular atrophy or infertility (Correct answer)
- Wound infection
- Seroma formation
Correct answer: Testicular atrophy or infertility
Inadvertent ligation or division of the vas deferens during inguinal hernia repair can cause infertility or testicular atrophy.
Question 5: The McVay (Cooper's ligament) repair is particularly suitable for which hernia type?
- Hiatal hernia
- Femoral hernia (Correct answer)
- Umbilical hernia
- Epigastric hernia
Correct answer: Femoral hernia
The McVay repair sutures the conjoined tendon to Cooper's ligament, making it one of the few open repairs that also addresses femoral hernias.
Question 6: What is a seroma, a common post-hernia repair complication?
- Infection of the mesh
- A collection of serous fluid in the wound or mesh space (Correct answer)
- Recurrence of the hernia
- Nerve entrapment causing chronic pain
Correct answer: A collection of serous fluid in the wound or mesh space
A seroma is a benign accumulation of lymphatic fluid or tissue exudate in the dead space created after hernia repair, often resolving spontaneously.
Hernia Hernia Surgery and Repair Techniques 2
Which laparoscopic hernia repair approach avoids entering the peritoneal cavity?