Evidence-based medicine and special aspects in bilateral inguinal hernia repair

TAPP versus lichtenstein techniques for bilateral inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide. However, very few studies report data on the laparoscopic advantages of bilateral inguinal hernia (BIH) repair over the open approach. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique with the open Lichtenstein repair technique (OLR) for the repair of BIH. A detailed literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library for comparative studies between TAPP and OLR techniques for repair of BIH. RevMan Version 5.4 was used for data analysis. The Inverse Variance statistical method was used to analyze the primary outcomes and the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method was used to analyze the secondary outcomes. The effect measure was reported as a Risk Ratio. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the two groups. A significant difference was seen in duration of post-operative hospital stay, operative time, pain score on VAS criteria on post-operative Day 1, pain score on VAS criteria on post-operative Day 7, and complications, all in the favor of TAPP except for operative time which was in the favor of OLR. TAPP was found to be superior to OLR in terms of duration of post-operative hospital stay, pain scores on VAS criteria on post-operative days 1 and 7, and complications, whereas OLR was found superior only in terms of operative time. For recurrence, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Pre-peritoneal Repair of a Bilateral Inguinal Hernia in a Pediatric Female Patient in Pakistan: A Case Report

Inguinal hernias, although a common occurrence, pose a significant threat to the surgical community on account of their complexity and socioeconomic consequences. Bilateral inguinal hernias, which are a rare subtype of inguinal hernias, in particular, are problematic since there are no existing definitive international guidelines for their repair. It is estimated that between 8% and 30% of inguinal hernia patients have bilateral hernias, but there is still no clarity as to whether a bilateral hernia represents a special type of inguinal hernia or two different hernias in one patient. The transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair (TAPP), totally extra-peritoneal repair (TEP), and Lichtenstein repair techniques are commonly employed depending on the resources and surgical expertise available, but there is a need to conduct large-scale, prospective, randomized-controlled trials to guide the formation of evidence-based guidelines that could be followed globally. Herein, we present the first known case of a bilateral inguinal hernia in a female pediatric patient repaired by the laparoscopic TAPP technique from Pakistan.

Laparoscopic versus open mesh repair of bilateral primary inguinal hernia: A three-armed Randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The best approach for simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernia is controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes after laparoscopic versus open mesh repair of bilateral primary inguinal hernia.

METHODS

this prospective study included 180 patients with bilateral primary inguinal hernia; randomized by sealed envelopes into 3 groups; each includes 60 patients. Group I treated by laparoscopic trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair using 2 separate meshes, Group II treated by open pre-peritoneal (PP) single mesh repair, while Group III treated by bilateral Lichtenstein repair.

RESULTS

In comparison to open PP and bilateral Lichtenstein repair, Laparoscopic TAPP repair had significantly longer operative time and superior early postoperative outcomes including significantly less postoperative pain, hospital stay, time till return to normal activity and to work. Chronic groin pain and mesh sensation was lower in Laparoscopic TAPP group with significantly higher satisfaction rate compared to open groups. No significant difference between study groups in 3 years recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous laparoscopic TAPP repair of uncomplicated primary bilateral inguinal hernia has superior early postoperative outcome, less chronic pain and higher patients' satisfaction rate compared to open approaches with similar low recurrence rate.

Bilateral inguinal hernia repair: laparoscopic or open approach?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes in the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia, comparing the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and open tension-free mesh repair (LICHT) approaches.

METHODS

We performed a prospective controlled non randomized clinical study in 128 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia over a period of 3 years. LICHT was used in 106 cases (53 patients) while TEP was employed in 150 cases (75 patients). The main outcome measurements were: recurrence rate, operating time, hospital stay and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were three recurrences (2.3%): two in the LICHT group (3.8%) and one (1.3%) in the TEP group P = NS. The TEP procedure was faster than LICHT repair (48.8 ± 10.8 vs. 70.4 ± 11.2 min) P < 0.01. Postoperative complications were more frequent in LICHT group (16%) than TEP group (5.3%) P < 0.01. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TEP group (0.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2 days) P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

The TEP approach is an effective option for the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia when performed by experienced surgeons.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Preperitoneal Bupivacaine Instillation for Reducing Pain Following Laparoscopic Inguinal Herniorrhaphy

The efficacy of bupivacaine instillation into preperitoneal space following laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for postoperative pain reduction is still in controversy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of bupivacaine instillation. The 40 patients, who had an inguinal hernia with no complication, unilateral or bilateral and recurrence or no recurrence after previous hernia repair, were randomly assigned to receive bupivacaine (n = 19) and normal saline (n = 21). The intervention or placebo was instilled into the preperitoneal space after total extraperitoneal laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. Pain intensity was assessed by using a visual analogue scale and verbal rating scale after the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hour postoperatively. For the bupivacaine and placebo group, mean pain scores were 3.5 versus 5.2 ( P = .059), 2.9 versus 4.5 ( P = .117), 2.1 versus 3.2 ( P = .101), 1.5 versus 2.7 ( P = .145), and 1.6 versus 2.0 ( P = .672) after the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 12th, and 24th hour, respectively. Complications developed in 4 patients in the bupivacaine group and 7 patients in the placebo group after 3 months follow-up time. There is no strong evidence to confirm that bupivacaine instillation into preperitoneal space after laparoscopic herniorrhaphy can reduce postoperative pain.

Stoppa procedure in bilateral inguinal hernia

The Stoppa procedure is a very safe repair of bilateral inguinal hernia, but it requires a learning period to achieve optimal results. We present a study with our experience and learning curve for this technique. Two hundred and ten patients with bilateral inguinal hernia (420 hernias) were repaired with Stoppa procedure from January 1995 to December 2003 with an average age of 57.2 years (range 28-89 years), with 8 women and 202 men (96%). Emergency surgery was performed for incarcerated hernia in six cases (2.8%). The rates of recurrent hernias, concomitant disease and associated surgical techniques were similar in all the years. Operative time decreased from 100 min (1995) to 61-66 min (2001-2003). Drain remained in place in 100% (1995), and 0% (2003). Regional anaesthesia was performed in 25% (1995) and 80-90% in the last years; hospital stay decreased from 5.1 to 1.2 days (2003), and morbidity from 50% (1995) to 12-16% (P<0.0001). There were three recurrences, two in the first 30 cases (6.6%), and one in the remaining 180 (0.5%) (4-92 months follow-up). The procedure was introduced in 1995 by one surgeon, performing 100% of cases, being accepted progressively by other surgeons. The first 25-30 cases of a surgical technique are the learning curve, with the highest rate of morbidity, time, technical and operative difficulties, and long hospital stay. As a result of the first surgeon's experience, some modifications of the technique are developed and results improved.

A comparative outcome analysis of bilateral versus unilateral endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplastics

BACKGROUND

Bilateral inguinal hernia is an accepted indication for endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP), but few studies have proved that the outcomes of bilateral TEP are as good as those of unilateral TEP. The objective of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent unilateral TEP with those of patients who underwent bilateral TEP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From June 1999 to May 2002, 103 patients underwent simultaneous bilateral TEP. The clinical data and outcomes of these patients were compared with those of an agematched cohort of patients who underwent unilateral TEP during the same period.

RESULTS

The demographic features and hernia types were similar for the two groups. The incidence of direct inguinal hernia was significantly higher in the patients with bilateral inguinal hernia. The mean operative time for unilateral TEP was 65 minutes, and for bilateral TEP it was 97 minutes. The mean pain score at rest was significantly lower in the bilateral group than in the unilateral group on postoperative days 2 and 3. Pain scores at rest and during coughing from the day of operation to day 6 were otherwise comparable for the two groups. Comparisons of postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stay, and time to resumption of normal outdoor activities showed no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative recovery and morbidity of patients who underwent bilateral TEP were equivalent to those who underwent unilateral TEP. Simultaneous bilateral TEP is safe and advantageous in patients with from bilateral inguinal hernias.