Laparoscopic repair of "sportsman's hernia" in soccer players as treatment of chronic inguinal pain.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the clinical course of soccer players affected by chronic groin pain, who were referred for laparoscopic inguinal exploration.


METHODS
Thirty-five professional soccer players affected by chronic groin pain and referred for laparoscopic inguinal exploration were included in this prospective, non-randomized study. Prior to surgery, patients were assessed by history, clinical examination, pelvic X-ray, bone scanning with Technetium and ultrasound of the inguinal region. The pre-peritoneal space was visualized with a laparoscope under general anesthesia. A bilateral polypropylene mesh was attached pre-peritoneally. Recorded data included demographics, history, symptoms, surgical findings and postoperative recovery.


RESULTS
All patients were male. The mean age was 24.3 years. Six patients (17.1%) complained of pain affecting their normal life. A true indirect type I hernia was identified in 4 patients (11.4%). In 28 patients (80%), a wide internal ring and peritoneal dimple were found during the procedure. No clear pathology was found in three patients (8.6%). Thirty-four patients (97.1%) returned to their normal activities after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic inguinal exploration and repair of "sportsman's hernias" in soccer players was associated with rapid recovery and fast return to full training and activity.
Susmallian
Sergio
S
Department of Surgery B, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. sergio9@bezeqint.net
Ezri
Tiberiu
T
Elis
Marina
M
Warters
Robert
R
Charuzi
Ilan
I
Muggia-Sullam
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006119:Groin; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome