[Regional changes in surgical technique of inguinal hernia in Westphalia-Lippe. Results of surgical quality assurance in Westphalia-Lippe 1993 to 1997 with special reference to laparoscopic techniques]. / Regionale Veränderungen der Operationstechnik der Leistenhernie in Westfalen-Lippe. Ergebnisse der Chirurgischen Qualitätssicherung in Westfalen-Lippe in den Jahren 1993 bis 1997 unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der laparoskopischen Technik.

Based on the data of the external quality assurance of the Chamber of Physicians of Westphalia-Lippe in 1993-1997, the regional changes of the surgical procedures used for inguinal hernia repair were analysed. An extensive spatial distribution of the laparoscopic repair, overall increasing from 1.9% in 1993 to 22.0% in 1997, was observed. This is visualised in geographic maps. The rapid introduction of a new surgical technique without available long-term results should be considered critically.