title: Suggestion for an alternative transabdominal laparoscopic technique (rivet technique TART) for quick inguinal hernia repair: our initial experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although associated with certain advantages, laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias implies longer operative times, increased intra-abdominal injuries, and a higher rate of urinary retention. To address these issues, we developed the transabdominal rivet technique (TART) for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three patients underwent bilateral inguinal hernia repair: two underwent TART only, and one underwent a standard transabdominal preperitoneal technique on one side and TART on the other for comparison. TART was performed using a round ring of mesh connected to two non absorbable polyethylene straps; the ring closed the gap in the abdominal wall, and the straps were passed through the defect and secured externally.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average operative time was 12 minutes per side, and the average hospital stay was 22.3 hours. No patients required analgesics. Urinary retention occurred in one patient with preexisting prostatitis and was not thought to have been the result of the procedure. Good mesh positioning was observed by computed tomography at 2 months, and no recurrence was seen 6 months after the operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on the results of this preliminary study, TART is a safe, rapid, feasible procedure for treatment of inguinal hernia repair. This study serves as a foundation for further research using a larger sample size.
authors.affiliation: General Hospital, Pescara, Italy. dr.mbasile@gmail.com
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Basile
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Palmerio
authors.forename: Tullio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Spina
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baldassarre
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ciarelli
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000368:Aged; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors