Experience with Laparoscopic Groin Hernia Repair in a Tertiary Care Hospital

The results of 50 laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal inguinal hernia repairs are reported with a follow-up of 1-4 years. The patientsage range was 16-75 years. Two recurrences occurred. Only few complications were encountered. The procedure was remarkably pain-free, with 18% requiring no analgesia after the operation and 63% requiring no analgesia after discharge from hospital. There was a rapid return to normal activity, with 55% driving within I week of the operation and 84% within 2 weeks. Sixty-three per cent returned to work within 2 weeks of the operation and 71% within 3 weeks. The results show that laparoscopic hernia repair is remarkably pain-free, allows a rapid return to normal activity and has a low recurrence rate.