Factors associated with hernia recurrence after laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: a 2-year prospective cohort study

Higher rates of recurrence and worse quality of life in obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair

PURPOSE

Prior investigations regarding the effect of obesity on inguinal hernia repair have been mixed. The aim of our study was to retrospectively compare perioperative outcomes, recurrence rate, and quality of life between obese and non-obese patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair by any approach at a single institution were identified from a prospectively maintained quality database. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 were considered obese. Quality of life was measured with the Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CSS) surveys. Differences between obese and non-obese patients were assessed using independent samples t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Between 2010 and 2021, a total of 5575 patients underwent inguinal hernia repair. Fifteen percent of patients were identified as obese (835 patients, mean BMI 33.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2). A significantly higher percentage of obese patients were diabetic, and operative time and estimated blood loss were higher in the obese group (all p < 0.001). Rates of hernia recurrence in obese patients was significantly more likely than in non-obese patients (4.2% vs 2.0%, p < 0.001). Up to 2 years postoperatively, a greater percentage of obese patients reported worse quality of life on the SOMS and more bothersome symptoms on the CCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Inguinal hernia repair in obese patients is a more technically challenging operation. Long-term follow-up revealed a greater risk of hernia recurrence and worse quality of life up to 2 years postoperatively in this patient population.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Hernia Repair for Indirect Inguinal Hernia in Adolescents: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The optimal surgical approach for inguinal hernia (IH) repair in adolescents has not been established. This study aimed to analyze and compare the perioperative results and long-term outcomes of adolescent patients with IH treated with laparoscopic (LHR) versus open hernia repair (OHR).

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathological data of adolescent patients with IH who underwent LHR or OHR as initial treatment from March 2012 to February 2018 at Xinxiang Central Hospital. Clinicopathological factors associated with the prognosis of patients were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) curves between different cohorts of patients were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to match patients of the LHR and OHR groups in a 1:1 ratio.

RESULTS

Adolescent patients with IH were enrolled, including 243 patients in the LHR group and 252 patients in the OHR group. After PSM, 189 patients were matched in each of the study group. Compared with the OHR group, the LHR group had a shorter hospitalization, less blood loss, fewer overall postoperative complications and lower rates of recurrence and chronic pain. The LHR group had a significantly better RFS than the OHR group before and after PSM.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for adolescent patients with IH can be safely performed with favorable perioperative and long-term outcomes.

High ligation with posterior wall repair for inguinal hernia repair in young adults: a nationwide cohort study

Purpose

This study evaluated the difference in the recurrence of inguinal hernia in young adult patients who underwent either high ligation alone or high ligation with posterior wall repair using nationwide data.

Methods

This retrospective study included young adult patients (aged 16-30 years) who underwent surgery for inguinal hernia between June 1, 2013 and December 31, 2020. Data from the National Health Information Database from the Korea Health Insurance Service were used for this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups (high ligation alone and posterior wall repair). The primary outcome was the difference in recurrent inguinal hernia surgeries between the 2 groups.

Results

Among the 10,803 patients included in the study, 947 underwent high ligation alone, and 9,856 underwent high ligation with posterior wall repair. Recurrence was observed in 18 patients (1.9%) in the high ligation only group and 84 (0.85%) in the high ligation with posterior wall repair group. Log-rank test findings revealed that recurrence was less frequent in the high ligation with posterior wall repair group than in the high ligation only group (P = 0.003). In the multivariate analysis of factors influencing recurrence, posterior wall repair (hazard ratio, 0.241; P = 0.001) was shown to significantly lower the recurrence.

Conclusion

Posterior wall repair might be necessary for inguinal hernia repair in young adults.

Muscular groin hernias: an anatomical variation as a cause of recurrence

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to understand our center's experience with the rare entity of muscular groin hernias. Specifically, to determine this hernia's incidence and characteristics and provide valuable information to surgeons that can be utilized at the time of a hernia repair regardless of modality used.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review between 2005 and 2019. Patients who had a primary or recurrent groin hernia operation for an atypically located hernia (other than direct, indirect, or femoral) were included. Descriptive statistics were utilized to present the hernia and patient data as median (interquartile range, range).

RESULTS

There were 152 patients with 155 muscular hernias identified in primary operations and 41 patients with 41 muscular hernias identified in recurrent operations. In both primary and recurrent groups there were more males, and the males were on average younger with a higher body mass index (BMI) than females. Most muscular hernias were located lateral (76) or lateral/superior (33) to the internal ring with a median distance between 2 and 3 cm (1, 0.3-5; 2.8,2-5) from the internal ring. A concurrent ipsilateral inguinal hernia was found and repaired in 42.3% of left and 46.8% of right sided primary muscular hernia operations. A concurrent ipsilateral inguinal hernia was noted in 5% of left and 14.3% of right sided recurrent muscular operations. In left sided recurrent operations for a muscular hernia, 68.9% had a previous ipsilateral inguinal hernia repair and in right sided recurrent operations, 67.7% had a previous ipsilateral inguinal hernia repair.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a previously unidentified groin muscular hernia in both primary and recurrent hernia operations as a potential cause of hernia recurrence and identifies muscular hernia locations. This information can be utilized at the time of surgery to identify and subsequently repair these defects, leading to improved patient and hernia outcomes.

Meta‑analysis of single-incision laparoscopic versus multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Whether single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (SIL-TEP) inguinal hernia repair is similar or superior to multi-trocar laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (MTL-TEP) inguinal hernia repair is controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the safety, efficacy and cosmetic effect of the two surgical methods. We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, Embase database and PubMed database for published studies on SIL-TEP and MTL-TEP inguinal hernia repair. The studies were screened and evaluated for quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Twenty studies were included, including 7 randomized controlled studies and 13 nonrandomized controlled studies. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between SIL-TEP and MTL-TEP inguinal hernia repair in terms of unilateral operation time (P = 0.12), bilateral operation time (P = 0.72), pain score on the first day after operation (P = 0.61], chronic pain rate (P = 0.61), total complication rate (P = 0.26), hospital stay (P = 0.72), and recurrence rate (P = 0.83), but the cosmetic effect score (P = 0.002) was higher in the former. These findings demonstrate that SIL-TEP inguinal hernia repair is safe, reliable and feasible. In addition, it can result in a better cosmetic effect of the incision than MTL-TEP inguinal hernia repair. SIL-TEP inguinal hernia repair should be considered for patients with stricter cosmetic requirements.Clinical trial registration: INPLASY2022110085.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of hernia sac management in laparoscopic groin hernia mesh repair: reduction or transection?

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus regarding hernia sac management during laparoscopic hernia repair, and this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of sac reduction (RS) and sac transection (TS) during laparoscopic mesh hernia repair.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews) guidelines. We used the RevMan 5.4 statistical package from the Cochrane collaboration for meta-analysis. A random effects model was used.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded six eligible studies including 2941 patients: 821 patients in the TS group and 2120 patients in the RS group. In the pooled analysis, the TS group was associated with a lower incidence of seroma (OR = 1.71; 95% CI [1.22, 2.39], p = 0.002) and shorter hospital stay (MD = -0.07; 95% CI [-0.12, -0.02], p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of morbidity (OR = 0.87; 95% CI [0.34, 2.19], p = 0.76), operative time (MD = -4.39; 95% CI [-13.62, 4.84], p = 0.35), recurrence (OR = 2.70; 95% CI [0.50, 14.50], p = 0.25), and Postoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that hernia sac transection is associated with a lower seroma rate and shorter hospital stay with similar morbidity, operative time, recurrence, and postoperative pain compared to the reduction of the hernia sac.

PROTOCOL

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with ID CRD42023391730.

Robotic versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approaches to bilateral hernia repair: a multicenter retrospective study using propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery, new techniques like transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair have progressively gained acceptance for the treatment of groin hernia. Laparoscopic TAPP (LTAPP) is recommended for bilateral repairs. Likewise, the introduction of robotic platforms has promised additional surgical benefits for robotic TAPP (RTAPP), which are yet to be confirmed. This study compared multicenter data obtained from patients undergoing bilateral inguinal hernia repair with RTAPP, performed during the preliminary learning curve period, versus conventional LTAPP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive bilateral inguinal hernia patients from four Italian centers between June 2015 and July 2020 were selected. A propensity score model was used to compare patients treated with LTAPP versus RTAPP, considering sex, age, body mass index, current smoking status, overall comorbidity, hernia classification (primary or recurrent), and associated procedures as covariates. After matching, intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 275 LTAPP and 40 RTAPP were performed. After matching, 80 and 40 patients were allocated to the LTAPP and RTAPP cohorts, respectively. No intraoperative complications or conversion to open surgery occurred. However, a longer operative time was recorded in the RTAPP group (79 ± 21 versus 98 ± 29 min; p < 0.001). Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores (p = 0.13) did not differ and complication rates were similar. There were no clinical recurrences in either group, with mean follow-up periods of 52 ± 14 (LTAPP) and 35 ± 8 (RTAPP) months. A statistical difference in length of hospital stay was found between the groups (1.05 ± 0.22 vs 1.50 ± 0.74 days; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this patient population, outcomes for bilateral inguinal hernia repair appear comparable for RTAPP and LTAPP, except for a shorter recovery after laparoscopic surgery. A longer operative time for robotic surgery could be attributable to the learning curve period of each center.

Comparison of BMI on operative time and complications of robotic inguinal hernia repair at a VA medical center

BACKGROUND

BMI is a risk factor for recurrence and post-operative complications in both open and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach (TEP) repair. Robotic surgery using the transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) is a safe and viable option for inguinal hernia repair (IHR). The objective of this study is to determine how difference in BMI influences rate of operative time, complications, and rate of recurrence in a robotic TAPP IHR.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent robotic inguinal hernia repair between 2012 and 2019 at a Veterans Health Administration facility (N = 304). The operating time, outcomes, and overall morbidity and mortality for robotic IHR were compared between three different BMI Groups. These groups were divided into: "Underweight/Normal Weight" (BMI < 25) n = 102, "Pre-Obese" (BMI 25-29.9) n = 120, and "Obese" (BMI 30 +) n = 82.

RESULTS

The average operating time of a bilateral IHR by BMI group was 83.5, 98.4, and 97.8 min for BMIs < 25, 25-29.9, and 30 +, respectively. Operating time was lower in the Underweight/Normal BMI group compared to the Pre-Obese group (p = 0.006) as well as the Obese group (p = 0.001). For unilateral repair, the average operation length by group was 65.2, 70.9, and 85.6 min for BMIs < 25, 25-29.9, and 30 +, respectively, demonstrating an increased time for Obese compared to Underweight/Normal BMI (p = 0.001) and for Obese compared to Pre-Obese (p = 0.01). Demographic/comorbidity variables were not significantly different, except for a higher percentage of white patients in the Underweight/Normal BMI group compared to the Pre-Obese and Obese groups (p = 0.02 and p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in complications or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

BMI has a significant impact on the operating time of both unilateral and bilateral robotic hernia repair. Despite this increased operative time, BMI group did not differ significantly in postoperative outcomes or in recurrence rates.

Mesh size may not affect recurrence in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias

A mesh is usually employed to cover defects when performing laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) of inguinal hernias. However, there is insufficient evidence for an appropriate mesh size. Therefore, we aimed to compare the recurrence rate between large- and medium-mesh laparoscopic TEP. Patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP for primary inguinal hernias from January 2012 to March 2020 were included. We retrospectively reviewed electric medical records. The primary outcome was the difference in recurrence rate between the large and medium meshes. The large mesh was 10.3 × 15.7 cm, and the medium mesh was 7.9 × 13.4 cm or 9 × 13 cm. In total, 446 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 177 were in the large-mesh group, and 269 were in the medium-mesh group. The average ages of the large- and medium-mesh groups were 58.4 and 56.9 years, respectively (P = .361). In both groups (large vs medium), males were dominant (93.2% vs 93.6%, P = .850), and indirect hernias (87.0% vs 88.1%, P = .740) were dominant. There was no difference in body mass index (P = .883) or hernia side (P = .770). Peritoneal tearing as an intraoperative complication occurred frequently in the large-mesh group (13.6% vs 3.3%, P < .001). During the mean follow-up period of 28 months, recurrence occurred in 3 (1.7%) and 13 (4.8%) patients in the large- and medium-mesh groups, respectively. However, there was no statistical significance (P = .262). Mesh size may not affect recurrence after laparoscopic TEP of primary inguinal hernias.

Surgical outcomes of totally extraperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia: A retrospective multicenter propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgical approaches, including total extraperitoneal repair (TEP), have been widely accepted for inguinal hernia repair in Japan. However, there are limited data regarding recurrence after TEP in Japan, given the limited versatility of this procedure. This study retrospectively evaluated the rates of hernia recurrence after TEP and open mesh repair at multiple Japanese centers.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 1917 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair at 32 institutions in the Oita prefecture between January 2014 and December 2015. Eligible patients were grouped according to whether they underwent TEP (1011 patients) or open mesh repair (636 patients). Propensity score matching was performed 1:1 (total: 1076 patients, 538 patients from each group). The outcomes of interest were recurrence, morbidity, and postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

The TEP and open mesh repair groups had similar baseline characteristics. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of recurrence rate (TEP: 0.5% vs open mesh repair: 1.0%, P = .375). However, the TEP group had significantly longer operating times (median: 70.2 min vs 65.0 min, P < .001), significantly less blood loss (0-5.1 mL vs 0-20.4 mL, P < .001), and significantly shorter postoperative hospital stays (median: 5.0 days vs 6.4 days, P < .001). The overall incidences of morbidity were 6.2% in the TEP group and 7.2% in the open mesh repair group (P = .535).

CONCLUSION

This multicenter retrospective study with propensity score matching revealed that the recurrence rates were similarly low for TEP and open mesh repair of inguinal hernia. Thus, a well-trained surgical team could use TEP as a standard procedure.

Recurrent Inguinal Hernia Post Laparoscopic Repair: A Retrospective Single-Center Study in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Inguinal hernia is the most common hernia among the abdominal wall hernias. This study aims to estimate the long-term recurrence rate and laparoscopy-related risk factors for inguinal hernia at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Buraidah, Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study of all laparoscopic hernia repair patients admitted in the surgical department of King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Buraidah, Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia from January 2016 to July 2020.

Results

A total of 64 patients were included in the present study. All patients were male with a mean age 42.27±15.79 years. Out of 64 patients, 71.9% were married and 11 (17.2%) were smokers. Most patients were found to be in the elective priority (89.1%) and the emergency cases were 10.1%. A total of 6.3% had a recurrent hernia and 93.7% had a primary hernia. After testing the association of hernia repair and the patient-related factors, it was observed that there is no significant association between recurrent hernia repair and the mean age (p=0.072), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.962), smoking (p=0.347), married patients (p=0.196), and diabetes (p=0.446).

Conclusion

A total of 6.3 % of patients developed a recurrent inguinal hernia after laparoscopic repair. In contrast to the literature, this study showed that patient-related risk factors were not statically significant among our patients. However, the reasons behind the recurrence rate tend to be multifactorial, including surgical, technical, hospital capability, and patients factors. Therefore, early recognization and management of these risk factors are essential to prevent further cases.

Differences in the outcomes of scrotal vs. lateral vs. medial inguinal hernias: a multivariable analysis of registry data

INTRODUCTION

There are hardly any studies on the outcome of scrotal compared with medial and lateral inguinal hernias. Therefore, this present multivariable analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry compared the outcome of scrotal vs. lateral vs. medial inguinal hernias and explored the relationship between hernia localization and outcomes.

METHODS

Included in the analysis were all primary elective unilateral inguinal hernias in men with scrotal, lateral or medial defect localization whose details had been entered into the Herniamed Registry by 712 participating institutions (status February 1, 2019). The relation of the hernia localization with the outcome parameters adjusted for pre-defined confounding patient- and procedure-related variables was analyzed via multivariable binary logistic models.

RESULTS

Details of 98,321 patients were thus available for multivariable analysis. These related to 65,932 (67.1%) lateral, 29,697 (30.2%) medial and 2,710 (2.7%) scrotal inguinal hernias. Scrotal hernias were associated with higher patient age, higher BMI, higher ASA score, larger defect, more risk factors and more frequent use of Lichtenstein repair. On the other hand, scrotal hernias were associated less commonly with preoperative pain. Multivariable analysis revealed that scrotal hernias had a highly significantly unfavorable association with postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and general complications. But scrotal hernias had a highly significantly favorable relation with the pain rates at 1-year follow-up. Medial hernias were the hernia type most often related with recurrence and also had an unfavorable association with the pain rates at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Scrotal inguinal hernias demonstrated a very unfavorable relation with the postoperative complication rate, the rate of complication-related reoperations and the rate of general complications. But a very favorable association with chronic pain rates was identified at 1-year follow-up. Medial inguinal hernia had an unfavorable relation with the recurrence and pain rates.

Return to outdoor walking, car driving, and sexual activity following elective inguinal hernia repair: surgeons' perspective versus patients' reality

PURPOSE

To determine the time to resumption of outdoor walking, car driving, sports, and sexual activity following elective inguinal hernia repair, and to reveal if there are differences between surgeons' recommendations and patients' real return times.

METHODS

A questionnaire including questions about recommendations to hernia patients for times to resume outdoor walking ability without assistance, driving and sexual intercourse after an elective inguinal hernia repair was sent to surgeons. Also, a short questionnaire was sent to patients who had undergone elective inguinal hernia repair to search the exact times for resuming these physical activities.

RESULTS

Surgeons' thoughts and recommendations to their patients varied significantly. The range of recommendations were same day to 20 days for outdoor walking, and same day to 3 months both for driving and sexual intercourse. Patients' actual resumption of postoperative activities were 1-14 days for outdoor walking, 1 day to 3 months for driving, and 1 day to 2 months for sexual intercourse. When the answers from the two questionnaires were compared, it was observed that the mean times for resumption of outdoor walking and sexual intercourse were significantly longer in the patients' lives than recommended by the surgeons. Patients ≥ 60 years were able to walk outside, drive, and participate in sexual activity earlier than the younger patients. Bilateral and recurrent hernia repairs caused slower resumption of different activities in comparison to primary hernias.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients reported that times for resumption of outdoor walking, driving, and sexual activity were significantly longer than those recommended by surgeons. Age, BMI, bilateral repair, and recurrent hernias were found to be factors affecting return time to different activities.

Intraoperative Observation during Total Extraperitoneal Repair (TEP)

We aim to observe and dissect the essential anatomical landmarks in totally extraperitoneal (TEP) procedures. Forty-six TEP procedures in 30 patients were prospectively performed in our department. During the dissection of the preperitoneal space, the following distances between landmarks were measured. D1: the distance from pubic symphysis to the arcuate line in the midline; D2: the distance from the inferior epigastric artery to the lateral border of the arcuate line (before sharp incision was performed); D3: as in D2 (but after sharp incision was performed); D4: the distance from the inferior epigastric artery to the crossing site of vas deferens and obliterated umbilical artery. Furthermore, the morphology of the posterior rectus sheath was documented. The corresponding distance between the anatomical landmarks varied greatly in each individual. D1: 8 ± 1.6 cm (range 4–10 cm). D2: 4.9 ± 0.8 cm (3.5–7 cm). D3: 6.8 ± 0.9 cm (5–9 cm). D4: 6.1 ± 1 cm (4.8–8.5 cm). Complete rectus sheath was found in 30.4 per cent (14/46) of the hernias. Anatomical variations were common in preperitoneal space. The crossing site of vas deferens and obliterated umbilical artery can serve as a landmark for dissection. Complete rectus was present in one-third of hernias, which necessitates a sharp incision for entering the correct lateral preperitoneal space.

Comparison of short- to mid-term efficacy of nonfixation and permanent tack fixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We systematically reviewed the literature and pooled data for a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of mesh fixation and nonfixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic search of PubMed® and a Cochrane review for all randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy and complications of mesh fixation versus nonfixation in TEP hernia repair. The evaluated outcomes included perioperative (operative time and conversion rate) and postoperative parameters (pain scores, duration of hospital stay, surgical complications including seroma, delayed return of bladder function, chronic pain, and recurrence). Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan®, version 5.2.6) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Ten trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in a pooled analysis. In total, 1099 patients (1467 hernias) had received TEP hernia repair (748 and 719 hernia defects in the nonfixation and fixation groups, respectively). The nonfixation group required shorter operative time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -2.36 min, P = 0.0006) and had less pain on postoperative day 1 (WMD = -0.44, P = 0.04) than the fixation group. No significant differences were observed between groups with regard to conversion rate, hospital stay, recurrence rate, or complication rate. However, the incidence of postoperative urine retention was higher in the fixation group (odds ratio = 0.26, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

For patients with a nonrecurrent uncomplicated hernia defect with the size <3 cm, nonfixation yielded comparable efficacy with mesh fixation, but less short-term postoperative pain, and a lower risk of urine retention. In addition, the nonfixation method involved a shorter operative time and lower costs. However, no difference in the incidence of chronic pain was observed.

Effect of direct defect closure during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair ("TEP/TAPP plus" technique) on post-operative outcomes

PURPOSE

Seroma formation and recurrence in large inguinal hernia still remain an important clinical complication despite decades since the advent of mesh repair.

METHODS

In our prospective comparative analysis, we want to evaluate the effect of direct hernia defect closure on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in two tertiary care institutions in Singapore. The direct hernia defects were closed with non-absorbable sutures incorporating the pseudosac.

RESULTS

A group of 241 patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia mesh repair for a total of 378 direct defects from April 2014 to July 2018. Of these patients, 98 (40.6%) patients underwent hernia repair without closure of their direct defect while 143 (59.4%) patients underwent direct defect closure. No significant differences were observed between the two patient populations' demographic information and the mean operative time. A total of 219 direct defects were closed and 159 direct defects were not repaired. Compared to the group that did not undergo direct defect closure, the group that had closure of the direct defects demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in recurrence (4.4% versus 0.9%, p = 0.036) and seroma formation (12.6% versus 6.4%, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Direct defect closure has proven to be effective in reducing recurrence and seroma formation post-operatively in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Randomized controlled trials will be required to further evaluate these outcomes.

Primary inguinal hernia: systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing open, laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal, totally extraperitoneal, and robotic preperitoneal repair

PURPOSE

The Open Lichtenstein technique, the Laparoscopic Trans-Abdominal PrePeritoneal (TAPP), the Totally Extra Peritoneal (TEP), and the robotic TAPP (rTAPP) are commonly performed. The aim of the present network meta-analysis was to globally compare short-term outcomes within these major surgical techniques for primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were consulted. A fully Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (51.037 patients) were included. Overall, 35.5% underwent Open, 33.5% TAPP, 30.7% TEP, and 0.3% rTAPP. The postoperative seroma risk ratio (RR) was comparable considering TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.91; 95% CrI 0.50-1.62), TEP vs. Open (RR 0.64; 95% CrI 0.32-1.33), TEP vs. TAPP (RR 0.70; 95% CrI 0.39-1.31), and rTAPP vs. Open (RR 0.98; 95% CrI 0.37-2.51). The postoperative chronic pain RR was similar for TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.53; 95% CrI 0.27-1.20), TEP vs. Open (RR 0.86; 95% CrI 0.48-1.16), and TEP vs. TAPP (RR 1.70; 95% CrI 0.63-3.20). The recurrence RR was comparable when comparing TAPP vs. Open (RR 0.96; 95% CrI 0.57-1.51), TEP vs. Open (RR 1.0; 95% CrI 0.65-1.61), TEP vs. TAPP (RR 1.10; 95% CrI 0.63-2.10), and rTAPP vs. Open (RR 0.98; 95% CrI 0.45-2.10). No differences were found in term of postoperative hematoma, surgical site infection, urinary retention, and hospital length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that Open, TAPP, TEP, and rTAPP seem comparable in the short term. The surgical management of inguinal hernia is evolving and the effect of the adoption of innovative minimally invasive techniques should be further investigated in the long term. Ultimately, the choice of the most suitable treatment should be based on individual surgeon expertise and tailored on each patient.

Recurrence Rates After Repair of Inguinal Hernia in Women: A Systematic Review

Importance

To our knowledge, a systematic review has not yet been performed that specifically addresses the management of inguinal hernia in women. Recurrence after repair of inguinal hernia is not unusual in women and may be a previously undiagnosed femoral hernia, which is rarely seen in men.

Objective

To investigate rates and types of recurrences in women who had undergone repair of primary inguinal hernia.

Evidence Review

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases were searched in September 2017 for studies reporting recurrences after repair of primary inguinal hernia in women. Crude rates of recurrence (number of recurrences/number of women) were calculated after open and laparoscopic repairs, and the type of recurrent hernia was registered, if noted in the studies. This review is reported according to the PRISMA guideline.

Findings

A total of 55 studies were included, comprising 43 870 women (mean age, 42-69 years; median age, 57 years). Five studies were randomized clinical trials, 14 were prospective cohort studies, 7 were prospective database studies, and 29 were retrospective cohort studies. Twenty studies reported recurrence after laparoscopic repair, with a crude recurrence rate of 1.2% (27 of 2257) (range, 0%-5%) and a median follow-up of 24 months. Thirty-seven studies reported open repair, with a crude recurrence rate of 2.4% (818 of 33 971) (range, 0%-12.5%) and a median follow-up of 36 months. The crude recurrence rate in randomized clinical trials and prospective studies was 1.2% (18 of 1525) after laparoscopic repair compared with 4.9% (490 of 10 058) after open repair. The recurrent inguinal hernia was a femoral hernia in 203 of 496 patients (40.9%) after open repair, compared with 0% of patients after laparoscopic repair. Recurrence rates were similar when open mesh vs nonmesh techniques were used.

Conclusions and Relevance

Recurrence rates after repair of primary inguinal hernia in women are lower after laparoscopic repair compared with open repair. Intraoperative findings during repair of recurrent inguinal hernia are often femoral hernias in women.

Causes of recurrence in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

PURPOSE

Recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is poorly understood. Reports suggest that up to 13% of all inguinal herniorrhaphies worldwide, irrespective of the approach, are repaired for recurrence. We aim to review the risk factors responsible for these recurrences in laparoscopic mesh techniques.

METHODS

A search of the Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents and PubMed databases identified English language, peer reviewed articles on the causes of recurrence following laparoscopic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy published between 1990 and 2018. The search terms included 'Laparoscopic methods', 'Inguinal hernia; Mesh repair', 'Recurrence', 'Causes', 'Humans'.

RESULTS

The literature revealed several contributing risk factors that were responsible for recurrence following laparoscopic mesh inguinal herniorrhaphy. These included modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors related to patient and surgical techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence can occur at any stage following inguinal hernia surgery. Patients' risk factors such as higher BMI, smoking, diabetes and postoperative surgical site infections increase the risk of recurrence and can be modified. Amongst the surgical factors, surgeon's experience, larger mesh with better tissue overlap and careful surgical techniques to reduce the incidence of seroma or hematoma help reduce the recurrence rate. Other factors including type of mesh and fixation of mesh have not shown any difference in the incidence of recurrence. It is hoped that future randomized controlled trials will address some of these issues and initiate preoperative management strategies to modify some of these risk factors to lower the risk of recurrence following laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.