Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy: analysis of initial experience

ABSTRACT

To evaluate our experience with laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy regarding time to full recovery, return to work, complications and recurrence rate. We retrospectively studied a consecutive series of patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia at our institution. The study cohort consisted of forty patients operated by a single surgeon between 1st Janruary2000 to1st January 2003. For all operations a TEPA [total extra-peritoneal approach] was used. Department of General Surgery, Lahore General Hospital Lahore. Outcome of laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy The study group consisted of 38 male and 2 female patients with a mean age of 45 years [range 30 to 60 years] at the time of operation. During the study period, 50 laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs were performed in 40 patients. Bilateral hernia repair was done in 10 patients [20%]. Of the 50 procedures; one repair [2%] was done for recurrent hernias. In 20% of the patients the procedure was completed as a day case surgery. A mean follow up of 12 weeks was obtained for 36 patients [>90%]. Minor complications occurred in 28% of patients, whereas major complication occurred in one patient who developed recurrence in the immediate post operative period. The median time to return to work or normal physical activity was 8-12 days for unilateral and 10-14 days for bilateral hernia repair. Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy is a feasible alternative to open hernia repair