Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Review of 1,000 Cases

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We reviewed our data compiled prospectively for evaluation of post-operative complications and recurrence of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Among the 1000 patients (age, > or =20 years old) who were undergone laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery from January 2007 to July 2011, the age, sex, location, hernia type, operation time, postoperative morbidity, and conversion of 992 patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 992 patients, 919 (92.6%) were male and the mean age was 54.2 years (range, 20~90). Operation times (m inutes) for unilateral and bilateral hernia were 40.0 and 53.4, respectively. Mean operation time (minutes) showed a decrease over time, as that for the first half of all cases was 43.5 and that for the second half was 39.7 (p<0.001). Seven cases of conversion (post-radical prostatectomy hernia=7) were recorded to TAPP (n=3) or IPOM (n=4) from TEP. Eleven cases of postoperative catheterization (1.1%), five cases of port site seroma (0.5%), one case of mesh removal due to infection, 24 cases of seroma/hematoma (2.4%), 26 cases of neuralgia (2.6%), and four cases of bleeding with a drop in hemoglobin of more than 3 mg% (0.4%) were also recorded. There were three cases of recurrence (0.35%) at the median follow-up of 46 months (range, 20 to 70 months). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can be performed safely, with low rates of complication and recurrence. This technique achieves good results combined with the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. We should be cautious in order to avoid postoperative bleeding, especially in cases of TEP.