Preoperative and postoperative assessment of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by dynamic MRI.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of dynamic MRI for seroma detection, hernia recurrence, and mesh placement in patients after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.


METHODS
Thirteen inguinal hernias in 10 consecutive patients were evaluated before and after surgery by using an MRI protocol consisting of coronal T1-weighted (fast field echo) and T2-weighted (turbo spin-echo) images and two sequences obtained during straining (turbo field echo gradient technique). All patients underwent a transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. MRI scans were reviewed for the presence of postoperative fluid collections, recurrent hernia, and mesh localization.


RESULTS
In all patients, an inguinal hernia was identified on the preoperative MRI and was absent on the postoperative MRI. In all patients treated laparoscopically, the mesh and its position were clearly identified. Three small fluid collections were found on the postoperative MRI scans.


CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic MRI can demonstrate small, postoperative fluid collections and a sufficient hernioplasty by showing the proper position of the mesh and the absence of a hernia.
van den Berg
J C
JC
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. jcvdberg@euronet.nl
Go
P M
PM
de Valois
J
J
Rosenbusch
G
G
D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013526:Surgical Mesh