The inguinal release procedure for groin pain: initial experience in 73 sportsmen/women.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure with mesh reinforcement on athletes with groin pain.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Private sector.


METHODS
Professional and amateur sportsmen/women undergoing the inguinal release for groin pain.


METHODS
Change in patient's symptoms, functional limitation and time to resuming sporting activity following surgery.


RESULTS
73 sportsmen/women underwent laparoscopic inguinal release in the study period, 37 (51%) of whom were professionals. 95% were male with a median age of 30 years. Following operation, patients returned to light training at a median of 1 week, full training at 3 weeks (professionals-2 weeks) and playing competitively at 4 weeks (professionals-3 weeks). 74% considered themselves match-fit by 4 weeks (84% of professionals). Following surgery, there was a highly significant improvement in frequency of pain, severity of pain and functional limitation in both the whole cohort and professional group. 88% reported a return to full fitness at follow-up, with 73% reporting complete absence of symptoms. 97% of the cohort thought the operation had improved their symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the laparoscopic inguinal release procedure may be effective in the treatment of a subgroup of athletes with groin pain.
Mann
C D
CD
Department of Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. chris.mann@doctors.org.uk
Sutton
C D
CD
Garcea
G
G
Lloyd
D M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal / Q000601:surgery*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013177:Sports; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult