Modified Port Position for Bilateral Inguinal Tapp Creating Unilateral Peritoneal Flap

Abstract Introduction Usually, the TAPP approach for bilateral inguinal hernia requires bilateral port placement and two separate peritoneal flaps to facilitate dissection and mesh placement. Our technique with modified port placement allows bilateral repair through unilateral flap with equal ease and feasibility and thus not only reduces the efforts of two flap suturing but also mimics TEP approach for hernia contralateral to ports. Material and Method During a period from February 2015 to December 2022 we have managed 48 patients with this approach. Patients with bilateral, primary, reducible inguinal hernias were managed, all of them do not have any history of previous surgery. With experience even complete irreducible hernias were managed in the same manner. Ports were placed on the side of the symptomatic or bigger hernia in triangular fashion for better ergonomics. Results In all patient’s adequate dissection of myopectineal orifice was achieved on either side through single flap. In few patients there were accidental small peritoneal rents on contralateral side which required single suture to close them. Medium weight PP mesh of size 15 × 12 cm was used in all except few, in which either 3D meshes or self-adhesive Progrip mesh was placed. No post-operative complications were seen in the form of recurrence or seroma and chronic pain in all patients. Discussion and conclusion Our technique of single peritoneal flap requires small unilateral flap to be raised to deal with bilateral defects without compromising on the steps of the procedure. Modification in port placement for the approach allows better ergonomics and ease of contralateral dissection and mesh placement along with easy closure of small peritoneal flap.