Preperitoneal bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy evolution of a technique from conventional to laparoscopic.
BACKGROUND
Simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernia remains controversial.


METHODS
Seventy-two consecutive patients underwent a preperitoneal prosthetic repair of bilateral groin hernia; 25 via laparoscopy. ASA classification, Nyhus type, hospitalization, convalescence time, and cost were examined. Mean follow-up was 36 and 12 months for the conventional and laparoscopic group respectively.


RESULTS
Sixty-nine patients were available for long-term follow-up. Average hospital stay, recurrence rate, perioperative urinary retention, transient thigh neuralgia, and return to normal activities were 48 hours, 5%, 9%, 6%, and 22 days as compared to 4 hours, 6%, 20%, 12%, and 9 days for the conventional and laparoscopic group respectively. The cost for laparoscopic repair was $500 greater.


CONCLUSIONS
The preperitoneal approach to repair of bilateral hernias demonstrates an acceptable recurrence rate with low long-term morbidity. Experience with conventional preperitoneal technique greatly facilitates transition to laparoscopic repair.
Velasco
J M
JM
Department of Surgery, Rush University and Rush North Shore Medical Center, Skokie, IL 60076, USA.
Gelman
C
C
Vallina
V L
VL
D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome