LAPAROSCOPIC GROIN HERNIA REPAIR - RESULTS OF 200 CONSECUTIVE HERNIORRAPHIES

Laparoscopic hernia surgery was introduced in this unit in May 1992, U p to September 1993, 175 patients with 200 inguinal and femoral hernia s were treated using this approach. This prospective study deals with intraoperative and postoperative complications, patient recovery and e arly operative results. The median (range) age was 58 (21-87) years an d the median (range) follow-up was 12 (5-24) months. A laparoscopic tr ansabdominal preperitoneal technique was used. The median (range) oper ation time was 67 (23-160) min for unilateral hernias and the median ( range) hospital stay was 1 (0-27) day. Major complications were two po stoperative bowel obstructions and seven recurrences, six of these in the first 31 patients. Overall, 17 minor complications were recorded; 52 per cent of the patients were back at work within 1 week, and 94 pe r cent within 1 month. The value of laparoscopic hernia repair remains to be determined and randomized controlled trials will be necessary.