TEP Versus Open Minimal Suture Repair for the Sportsman's Groin

This is a keyhole operation which will use one small incision at the 'belly button' followed by two small incisions of approximately 5mm in diameter below the 'belly button' . A lightweight mesh is then placed over the inguinal ligament to reinforce the weakness. This approach is keyhole in nature with visualisation of the inguinal canal from behind - posteriorly.

This is best described as open minimal repair and involves a small incision into the groin of the affected side. Once the inguinal canal is exposed the back wall is repaired using a simple suture to reinforce the weakness. This approach is open surgery in nature with visualisation of the inguinal canal from in front - anteriorly.