title: Should bilateral inguinal hernias be repaired during one operation?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We tested the hypothesis that performing an open tension-free bilateral inguinal hernia repair at one operation would have similar outcomes as performing an open tension-free unilateral repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  In our prospective study of 243 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, 197 were unilateral (UL) and 46 were simultaneous bilateral (SBL). Prospectively the surgeon completed a standardized form during the first postoperative visit. Long-term follow-up was obtained by telephone interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respectively for UL versus SBL: age 56 +/- 16 years versus 60 +/- 12 years, regional anesthesia 93% versus 94%, operating room time 76 +/- 22 minutes versus 114 +/- 21 minutes (P < 0.05), and operating room costs $1,513 versus $1,793. Also observed were nonsignificant differences in overnight admissions 9.6% versus 4.3%, wound infection 0% versus 2.2%, number of days of narcotic pain pills taken 3.5 +/- 2.7 versus 3.3 +/- 2.2, postoperative day first left home 2.4 +/- 1.6 versus 2.8 +/- 1.7, postoperative day drove car 4.6 +/- 2.1 versus 5.0 +/- 2.3. Telephone contact was made in 62% after a follow-up period of 28 +/- 17 months. Recurrences were observed in 6 of 151 (4.0%): UL 4.2% and SBL 3.0%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe a tension-free technique allows bilateral inguinal hernias to be repaired during one operation with similar outcomes as a unilateral tension-free repair and less cost than a sequential bilateral repair.
authors.affiliation: Section of General, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1100 9th Ave. (C6-GSUR), Seattle, WA 98111, USA.
authors.forename: Rami A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Dakkuri
authors.forename: Deron J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ludwig
authors.forename: L William
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Traverso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome