Hernia Hernia Surgery and Repair Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most common technique for open inguinal hernia repair in the US?
- Bassini repair
- McVay repair
- Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair (Correct answer)
- Shouldice repair
Correct answer: Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair
The Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair is the gold-standard open technique in the US, with low recurrence rates and minimal tension.
Question 2: In laparoscopic hernia repair, what does TAPP stand for?
- Total Abdominal Posterior Patch
- Transabdominal Preperitoneal repair (Correct answer)
- Trans-Anterior Posterior Plasty
- Totally Adhesive Patch Procedure
Correct answer: Transabdominal Preperitoneal repair
TAPP (Transabdominal Preperitoneal) repair accesses the preperitoneal space by opening the peritoneum from inside the abdomen.
Question 3: What does TEP stand for in the context of laparoscopic hernia repair?
- Total Endoscopic Posterior repair
- Totally Extraperitoneal repair (Correct answer)
- Trans-Epigastric Prosthetic repair
- Transperitoneal Endoscopic Plasty
Correct answer: Totally Extraperitoneal repair
TEP (Totally Extraperitoneal) repair dissects and places mesh entirely within the preperitoneal space without entering the peritoneal cavity.
Question 4: Why is mesh used in modern hernia repair?
- To reduce operating time
- To reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence rates (Correct answer)
- To replace missing bowel segments
- To drain fluid collections
Correct answer: To reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce recurrence rates
Prosthetic mesh provides structural reinforcement of the abdominal wall defect, significantly lowering hernia recurrence compared to suture-only techniques.
Question 5: Which hernia repair is considered an emergency operation?
- Elective reducible inguinal hernia repair
- Repair of a strangulated or incarcerated hernia with bowel compromise (Correct answer)
- Laparoscopic repair of an asymptomatic hernia
- Watchful waiting for small umbilical hernias
Correct answer: Repair of a strangulated or incarcerated hernia with bowel compromise
Strangulated hernias with compromised bowel blood supply require immediate surgery to prevent bowel necrosis and sepsis.
Question 6: The Bassini repair is a classic open technique that reconstructs which structure?
- The femoral ring
- The posterior wall of the inguinal canal (Correct answer)
- The umbilical ring
- The diaphragmatic hiatus
Correct answer: The posterior wall of the inguinal canal
The Bassini repair approximates the conjoint tendon to the inguinal ligament to reconstruct the posterior inguinal canal wall.
Hernia Hernia Surgery and Repair Techniques 1
What is the most common technique for open inguinal hernia repair in the US?