ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Whereas international guidelines recommend day surgery for endoscopic inguinal hernia repair, this approach is still controversial in Germany. In the light of international guidelines and at the request of patients, we have established total extraperitoneal patch plastic (TEP) surgery in the outpatient setting in our hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all unilateral TEP procedures carried out between January 2013 and December 2015 in our outpatient surgery, focused on postoperative complications, conversion to admission and rate of recurrence. Patient satisfaction with the outpatient setting was evaluated by telephone interview. RESULTS: In the 3 year period analysed, 164 patients were admitted for day surgery. Outpatient surgery was carried out in 152 patients, whereas 12 patients had to be admitted overnight due to circulatory disturbance, pain or bleeding. A total of 102 patients could be questioned for follow-up. Hematoma developed in 9 patients, and recurrence of hernia in 3 patients. Infections or seromas were not described or detected. 88 patients were very satisfied with the outpatient procedure, and 82 patients would clearly prefer day surgery again. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral endoscopic hernia repair is safe and can be performed in the outpatient setting without increased risk. Satisfaction and acceptance by the patients is high. There is a dramatic difference between day surgery and inpatient procedure in the costs for hernia repair and this is one of the major reasons why outpatient endoscopic hernia repair is still rare in Germany.
