The safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for recurrent inguinal hernia after open hernioplasty.

BACKGROUND

Many studies have reported that laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair for recurrent inguinal hernia after an open hernioplasty was safe and effective. This study was conducted to evaluate TEP repair for recurrent inguinal hernia through a retrospective analysis of our data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic TEP repair from December 2000 to December 2008. A total of 1065 cases of laparoscopic TEP repairs were performed for 944 patients by a single surgeon, and 100 cases of recurrent inguinal hernias were enrolled.

RESULTS

The mean operation time was longer in the recurrent hernia group than that in the primary hernia group (P < 0.001), and peritoneal tearing occurred more frequently in the recurrent hernia group (P < 0.001). Direct hernia was more frequent in the recurrent hernia group (P < 0.001). The mean number of hospital days and complications, such as seroma and postoperative pain, were similar in both groups. Three cases of recurrence occurred (0.28%): 2 occurred in the recurrent hernia group (2%) and the other occurred in the primary hernia group (0.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic TEP repair is safe and effective for treating recurrent inguinal hernia after an open hernioplasty, because the recurrence rate was low (2%) and other complications were similar for both groups. Direct inguinal hernia was more frequent in patients who had recurrent inguinal hernia.