Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in the day-care setting.
BACKGROUND
Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is gaining popularity, and our preference is to perform this procedure as a day case. This study evaluates the suitability of TEP repair in the day-care setting.


METHODS
A policy of day-care TEP repair, unless contraindicated, was adopted for inguinal hernia repair, and the outcome was prospectively evaluated. Of 87 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs, day-care TEP was possible in 54 (62%); 17 (20%) were in-patient TEP, 14 (16%) were open repairs, and 2 (2%) were converted from TEP to open repairs.


RESULTS
Among day-care TEP repairs, median visual analog pain score at discharge was 2.3/10, and 43% of patients had no pain. Complications included cord hematoma 2 (4%) and seroma 3 (6%). Median times for stopping analgesia, resumption of full activity, and return to work were 3, 3, and 6 days respectively. Complete satisfaction with day-care TEP was expressed by 91% of patients; 9% were moderately satisfied, and none expressed dissatisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Day-care TEP repair is feasible in the majority of patients with inguinal hernias, and it is associated with minimal complications, excellent recovery, and a high degree of patient satisfaction.
O'Riordain
D S
DS
Department of Surgery, Meath and Adelaide Hospitals and Trinity College, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
Kelly
P
P
Horgan
P G
PG
Keane
F B
FB
Tanner
W A
WA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence