title: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in the day-care setting.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Meath and Adelaide Hospitals and Trinity College, Heytesbury Street, Dublin 8, Ireland.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: O'Riordain
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Keane
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Tanner
mesh_terms: 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