General surgeons' approach to laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery and training expectations in Turkey: A web-based survey

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine the approach of general surgeons toward laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery and training needs of surgeons and to collate data that will help formation of training programs or the development of current training programs. Material and Methods: A survey study was designed with 15 questions, including questions regarding determination of characteristics of their trainings, surgical preferences, and their knowledge and approach toward laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery. General surgeons in Turkey invited to study on a voluntary basis by using Turkish Surgical Association’s official website. Results: A total of 160 surveys were completed included to the study. Of the total participants, 54.4% included laparoscopic hernia surgery in their daily applications. It was observed that most prevalently used surgical method (60.9%) was total extraperitoneal approach. Of 73 participants, 39 (52.8%) who did not include laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery into daily surgical procedures stated that they inform the patients about laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery during the pre-operative evaluation. The rate of performing laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery was found to be lower among those who had been working for ≥10 years (p = 0.001). Moreover, it was observed that only 18 (34.6%) of the 52 participants, who had been working for ≥10 years and who did not include laparoscopic hernia repair into their daily surgical procedures, wanted to receive training. Conclusion: General surgeons have a difference of opinion on the benefits of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. It is necessary to determine the obstacles for laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery to be performed prevalently. Academic institutions designing and bringing the training programs into action can help inform surgeons who want and need the trainings, and success can be obtained in shortening the time the learning curve takes and lowering of the recurrence and complication rates by continuous medical training programs conducted routinely.