Background: There has not been an absolute consensus over the routine closure of peritoneal defect (PD) during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP). Pretied sutures, endoscopic stapling, and suturing are surgical techniques for closing PDs. Moreover, we observed that we could close small PDs during the TEP procedure by sealing with the LigaSure (LS).

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the necessity of closure PDs under a polypropylene mesh and the early intraperitoneal inflammatory, fibrotic, and adhesional effects of sealing PDs with the LS in an experimental rat model.

Methods: A total of 35 male rats were assigned to five groups. 1- Control group: mesh was not used, and the peritoneum was left open; 2- Mesh group; mesh was placed directly on the PD without repairing, and three peritoneal repairing methods; 3- Stapling group: PD was repaired with metal clips; 4- Suture group: PD was repaired with Vicryl sutures; and 5- LigaSure group: PD was closed with the LS. Rats were sacrificed on the postoperative 14th day. Adhesion scores, fibrosis, and inflammation scores were compared between all groups.

Results: All rats completed the 14 days of follow-up without complication. The Mesh group had significantly higher adhesion scores than the other groups (P<0.001). Nonetheless, no significant difference was observed between peritoneal repairing methods (P=0.696). Fibrosis and inflammatory scores were similar in peritoneal repairing methods (P=0.394 and P=0.112, respectively).  

Conclusion: The direct contact of foreign bodies with the intra-abdominal organs increases the risk of adhesion; therefore, the remaining PDs under the polypropylene mesh should be repaired. Sealing PDFs with LS is a simple method that does not increase the inflammatory response, fibrosis, and the risk of adhesion formation.