The two commonly used approaches to laparoscopic repair of inguinal and femoral hernias are the transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) and the totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) approaches.
TEP repair — TEP is performed in the preperitoneal space and was developed to avoid the risks associated with entering the peritoneal cavity. The physician develops a space between the peritoneum and the anterior abdominal wall so that the peritoneum is never violated. In experienced hands, this approach has the advantage of eliminating the risk of intraabdominal adhesion formation.
TAPP repair — TAPP repair involves the placement of mesh in a preperitoneal position, which is covered by peritoneum to keep the mesh away from