The preperitoneal space approached in laparoscopic TEP (totally extraperitoneal) hernia repair contains the 'triangle of doom' and the 'triangle of pain'. The triangle of doom contains which critical structures?

• A Femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• B External iliac artery and vein
• C Inferior epigastric vessels and corona mortis
• D Vas deferens medially and testicular vessels laterally, with the apex at the deep inguinal ring ✓

Explanation

The 'triangle of doom' in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is bordered by the vas deferens medially, the testicular vessels laterally, and the peritoneal fold above. The external iliac artery and vein lie within this triangle; inadvertent stapling or dissection here causes catastrophic vascular injury. The 'triangle of pain' lies lateral to the testicular vessels and contains the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve; tacker fixation here causes chronic neuralgia.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.