[Tension-free laparoscopic hernioplasty].

Hernia recurrence after traditional "open" hernioplasty is an observed event. The tension undergone by anatomical structures of the area is believed to be responsible in large part for these failures. Thus, techniques involving "tension free" hernioplasty have been developed, some of which involve laparoscopic access. Here an experience is reported regarding laparoscopic hernioplasty carried out to repair groin hernias, first of all on an animal model (pigs: 7 cases) then in the clinical field. The technique chosen was the endo-peritoneal positioning of a PTFE prosthesis. The results revealed several advantages over the traditional methods, basically the possibility of reinforcing the entire inguinal floor at the same time as repairing the hernia, and the decrease in groin area discomfort and less time off from work for the patient.