Laparoscopic hernia repair in patients with bilateral groin hernias.
OBJECTIVE
To compare outcome of unilateral and bilateral laparoscopic hernia repair.


METHODS
Prospective consecutive trial.


METHODS
University hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
380 patients who had unilateral hernias repaired laparoscopically and 64 patients who had bilateral hernias repaired. The median (range) age in the two groups was 56 (21-86) and 61 (30-85) years, respectively and the median (range) follow-up was 42 (24-58) months.


METHODS
Operating time, hospital stay, complications, and time to recovery.


RESULTS
The median (range) operating time was 70 (25-240) minutes in the unilateral and in the bilateral group 113 (55-330) minutes. The complication rate, recurrence rate, and time to full recovery did not differ between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The laparoscopic approach seems to be a good option for patients with bilateral inguinal hernias.
Kald
A
A
Department of Surgery, University of Linköping, Sweden.
Domeij
E
E
Landin
S
S
Wirén
M
M
Anderberg
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013526:Surgical Mesh