Recurrence rate after laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernias: have we improved?

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernias is becoming increasingly accepted in surgical practice, using an extraperitoneal or transabdominal approach for the placement of mesh. Previous literature reflects that efforts to perform open repair of recurrent inguinal hernias often result in further recurrences, testicular damage, or nerve injuries. Our study reflects physical examination of 37 patients over 4 years that underwent laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia(s). Early and late complications are presented. The re-recurrence rate at this short follow up to 54 months is quite low at 2.5%. The laparoscopic repair of recurrent hernia reflects a very low likelihood of recurrence, low occurrence of testicular damage, and less likelihood of other such complications as nerve or spermatic cord injury (none of these occurred in this study). Seroma was clinically significant in 3 patients and no infections were noted. Our study and ongoing careful follow-up are the subject of this report.