Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair on a General Surgery Ward: 5 Years' Experience

ABSTRACT Background: Laparoscopic hernia repair has been gaining acceptance as an alternative to open repair. The aim of this study was to present the experience of a general surgery ward with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Materials and Methods: A retrospective search of all laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs between January 1999 and December 2003 was obtained. Data, including perioperative course, postoperative complication, and long-term follow-up, was documented. Results: A total of 423 hernias were repaired in 220 patients. Long-term follow-up was performed by questionnaire, clinic visit, or both in 182 of the 220 patients (82.7%). Median follow-up time was 27.5 (range, 4–61) months. Two hundred and three (92.3%) hernias were bilateral. Fifty-seven patients (25.9%) had recurrent hernias. There was no conversion to an open hernia repair. There were 10 recurrences (2.3%). Minor complications (e.g., abdominal wall hematoma, epigastric vessels injury, and urinary retention requiring catheterizati...