Introduction: Laparoscopy has rapidly emerged as the preferred surgical approach to a number
of different diseases because it allows for a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. It seems to be
moving toward the use of mini-instruments (5 mm or less in diameter). The aim of this paper is to
illustrate retrospectively the results of an initial experience of minilaparoscopic transabdominal
preperitoneal (miniTAPP) repair of groin hernia defects performed at two institutions.
Materials and Methods: Between February 2000 and December 2003, a total of 303 patients (mean
age, 45 years) underwent a miniTAPP procedure: 213 patients (70.2%) were operated on bilaterally
and 90 (28.7%) for a unilateral defect, with a total of 516 hernia defects repaired. The primary
endpoint was the feasibility rate for miniTAPP. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of mini-
TAPP-related complications.
Results: No conversions to laparoscopy or an anterior open approach were required. There were
no major complications, while minor complications ranged as high as 0.3%.
Conclusion: While limited by its retrospective design, the present study indicates that the minilaparoscopic
approach to groin hernia repair is safe and effective, making miniTAPP a challenging
alternative to laparoscopy in the approach to groin hernia repair.
