Laparoscopic repair of recurrent groin hernia: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recurrences continue to be seen after repair of inguinal hernias. The repair of these recurrent hernias is a more complex and demanding procedure, with a high re-recurrence rate. Definite advantage has been demonstrated with endoscopic repair of these hernias.

METHODS: The results for this prospective study from January 2003 to December 2006 were evaluated after laparoscopic repair of 65 recurrent hernias in 61 patients. The patients were followed up for 1 year. Longer follow-up evaluation was performed for the patients who underwent surgery in the initial 3 years.

RESULTS: In this study, 37 recurrent hernias were managed using the transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP) technique and 28 using the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique. There was no conversion and no cases of postoperative wound infection. Of the 12 metachronous hernias repaired simultaneously, 3 were occult. Seroma developed in five patients. At a follow-up assessment after 1 year, one patient had groin pain, and there was one re-recurrence. A longer follow-up period with a mean of 35.11 months failed to show any new re-recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is safe and effective. The morbidity and recurrence rates for the procedure are as low as for laparoscopic repair of primary hernias. Laparoscopic repair should be the gold standard for these hernias.