First laparoscopic hernia repair onboard an aircraft carrier at sea.
OBJECTIVE
To report the first known and documented laparoscopic hernia repair onboard an aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln).


METHODS
We present a case report of a 23-year-old healthy male seen in our Medical Department in pain with a clear mass on the right groin area. The sailor was scheduled for elective repair using a single-chip, 0 degree laparoscope from Stryker Company.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic hernia repair was performed with complete recovery and immediate return to his usual duties onboard the aircraft carrier.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy is not a new concept in surgery, but the performance of this surgical modality onboard a nuclear warship is a landmark event that will maximize naval operational readiness.
Cubano
M A
MA
Department of Surgery, Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, FL 32214-5000, USA.
Luther
J H
JH
Antosek
L E
LE
D000328:Adult; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D014481:United States