The TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) repair of inguinal hernia requires peritoneal flap closure to prevent which specific complication?

• A Recurrence at the medial triangle (Hesselbach's triangle)
• B Adhesion of mesh to bowel causing small bowel obstruction ✓
• C Injury to the femoral vessels during trocar placement
• D Seroma formation in the pre-peritoneal space

Explanation

In TAPP repair, the mesh is placed in the pre-peritoneal space transabdominally, and the peritoneal flap must be closed securely over the mesh. Failure to close the peritoneum exposes the mesh to the abdominal cavity, predisposing to bowel adhesions and potentially life-threatening small bowel obstruction — the most feared complication specific to inadequate peritoneal closure in TAPP. TEP (totally extraperitoneal) repair avoids this risk since the peritoneum is never entered.

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.