Inguinal hernia repair: results using an open preperitoneal approach.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic surgical approaches to the repair of inguinal hernias have shown the advantages of placing mesh in the preperitoneal space. Despite those advantages, laparoscopic hernia repairs have been associated with increased cost, longer operating times, and advanced laparoscopic skills. An open preperitoneal approach has the benefit of mesh in the preperitoneal position without the disadvantages of a laparoscopic procedure.


METHODS
We present our experience with the use of an open preperitoneal mesh repair (KugelMesh, Bard, Inc.). The study was conducted in a prospective fashion from January 1998 through October 2001. 1072 hernias were repaired in two community hospitals by three general surgeons. Patients with recurrent hernias were excluded if the initial repair was from a preperitoneal approach. Operative time, cost, post-operative pain, and complications were analyzed.


RESULTS
Recurrences occurred in five patients (0.47%) during a mean follow-up time of 23 months (range: 2-47). The average operating time was 32.4 min (range: 16-62). Post-operative narcotic pain medication usage averaged 5.8 pills (range: 0-26) per repair. Average surgical charges were less for the open preperitoneal approach ($2253) than for laparoscopic repairs ($4826).


CONCLUSIONS
The open preperitoneal hernia repair using the Kugel mesh offers many advantages. It is inexpensive, has a low recurrence rate, and allows the surgeon to cover all potential defects with one piece of mesh. Postoperative recovery is short and postoperative pain is minimal.
Fenoglio
M E
ME
Surgical Consultants, 1601 E. 19th Avenue, Suite 4500, Denver, CO 80218, USA.
Bermas
H R
HR
Haun
W E
WE
Moore
J T
JT
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome