Recurrent inguinal hernia: a ten-year review.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluates the results obtained in recurrent inguinal hernia repair over the past ten years in a general hospital using laparoscopic (LAP) and open tension-free mesh (Lichtenstein) procedures.


METHODS
A prospective controlled study with 258 recurrent inguinal hernias in 235 patients over a ten-year period. The main outcome measurements were recurrence rate, operating time, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and cost.


RESULTS
There were 10 recurrences (4.3%): 7 in the Lichtenstein group (5.7%) and 3 (2.2%) in the LAP group (P = nonsignificant [NS]). There were 15 (12.2%) postoperative complications in the Lichtenstein group and 6 (4.4%) in the LAP group (P =0.04). The operating room costs were higher in the LAP group, but this difference was offset by a significantly shorter hospital stay, shorter operating time, and earlier return to work.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic repair is an effective option for the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia. The TEP approach combines the advantages of minimal invasive surgery and those of tension-free mesh repair, reducing operating time, postoperative morbidity, and recurrence rate.
Feliu
Xavier
X
Hospital General d'Igualada, Barcelona, Spain. 16255xfp@comb.es
Jaurrieta
Eduardo
E
Viñas
Xavier
X
Macarulla
Enric
E
Abad
Joseph Maria
JM
Fernández-Sallent
Enrique
E
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013997:Time Factors