Laparoscopic single-site surgery in inguinal hernia repair

Laparoscopic single-site surgery (LSS) aims to expand on the inherent advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We looked into its application in inguinal hernia repair (IHR), summarized the associated challenges of the technique and gathered the current available literature matching it against the conven-tional laparoscopic technique. Current literature highlights the associated technical challenges, however emphasize these may be mitigated by employing certain maneuvers and strategies. Operative time for LSS IHR has been frequently cited to be longer than its conventional laparoscopic counterpart. Inconsistently reported was lower pain scores and better cosmetic satisfaction seen with LSS IHR. Outcomes such as complication, duration of stay, and recurrence were found to be comparable. The development and use of robotic-assistance in LSS may bypass some of the challenges, though the higher cost and need for special training are likely to be a concern. The application of LSS in IHR by experienced laparoscopic surgeons is both feasible and safe.