[Value of celioscopy in the diagnosis of inguinal hernia].

OBJECTIVE

Prospectively compare laparoscopic findings with functional impairment and clinical diagnosis and classification of inguinal hernias.

METHODS

Fifty eight consecutive patients (mean age 55.3 years, range 22-87) presenting with 68 symptomatic hernial orifices and undergoing laparoscopic procedures for inguinal hernia were included in the study. Type of hernia was identified according to the Nyhus classification. Clinical examination found 73 hernias and laparoscopy identified 86 hernias.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic findings confirmed clinical diagnosis in 20 out of 30 type II hernias, 24 out of 37 type IIIA hernias, 2 out of 3 type IIIB hernias and 13 out of 16 type IV hernias.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic procedures can successfully confirm or refute the clinical diagnosis of inguinal hernia, especially important when the preoperative diagnosis is doubtful. The type of hernia can be clearly identified for adaptation of therapeutic indications.