Effect of scrotal support application on seroma formation following minimal access surgery for inguinal hernia: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of seroma formation is high following laparoscopic surgery for an inguinal hernia. Literature has shown many intraoperative techniques to reduce post-operative seroma formation. The hypothesis was made that scrotal support may reduce seroma formation following laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery. This study aimed to compare the post-operative outcome of uncomplicated inguinal hernia patients with or without scrotal support application.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomised controlled trial was conducted on 266 male patients with inguinal hernias. A block randomisation was done, and accordingly, a scrotal support was applied after mobilisation of study patients following laparoscopic or robotic surgery. After discharge, all patients were followed up for 30 days and their outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

Post-operative numbness after hernia surgery was significantly reduced with the application of scrotal support ( P = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in the early post-operative period for seroma formation, scrotal oedema, scrotal haematoma, surgical site infections, epididymo-orchitis or groin pain between the groups.

CONCLUSION

A scrotal support application is not effective at reducing the formation of seroma after laparoscopic or robotic inguinal hernia repairs. Early post-operative groin numbness may be reduced by including scrotal support in post-operative care protocols.