title: Preperitoneal bilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy evolution of a technique from conventional to laparoscopic.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Rush University and Rush North Shore Medical Center, Skokie, IL 60076, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Velasco
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gelman
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Vallina
mesh_terms: 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