title: Modified transabdominal external needle for mesh size estimation in laparoscopic hernia repair.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The obtaining on the accurate mesh size is the key for the good results and making the procedure easy during laparoscopic hernia repair. This study offers a modified transabdominal external needle technique to achieve this goal.
  
  
  METHODS
  During the period from February 2011 through October 2013, during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in 41 patients, the mesh dimensions were determined by novel technique. Where, the mesh size was calculated percutaneous transabdominal by using spinal needle No. 22 with thread inside it. The mean follow up period was 24 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ages of this patients group were ranged from 21 to 65 years (mean, 49 years). The mean time needed to obtain the accurate mesh dimensions was 3 min. No recurrence or mesh bulging or mesh infection were recorded in this patients group during the period of follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our technique for calculation of mesh dimensions during laparoscopic hernia repair is accurate, safe, and easy.
authors.affiliation: General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt. Electronic address: lasheenahmed@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Ahmed E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lasheen
authors.affiliation: General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt.
authors.forename: Khaled
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Safwat
authors.affiliation: General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt.
authors.forename: Mansour
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morsy
authors.affiliation: General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt.
authors.forename: Zaki
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Allam
authors.affiliation: General and Laparoscopic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 44519, Egypt.
authors.forename: Wael
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Awad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Laparoscopic hernia repair; Mesh size estimation