SONOGRAPHY IN THE POSTOPERATIVE EVALUATION OF LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL-HERNIA REPAIR

We evaluated the use of sonography as a means of assessing hernial occ lusion and possible postoperative changes such as hematomas or seromas in the inguinal and scrotal regions after 1139 laparoscopic repairs o f hernias between August 1992 and November 1994. Changes after laparos copic hernia repair were found in 307 patients (27%). Hematomas or ser omas were seen in 132 patients, protrusion of the prosthetic mesh in 1 7, mesh infection in two, and small bowel entrapment in an insufficien t peritoneal suture line in two. Recurrences were diagnosed correctly in six patients, mobile preperitoneal Lipomas in five. Sonography is u seful in the evaluation of complications after laparoscopic hernia rep air, including recurrent hernia. In the absence of symptoms, sonograph y is not indicated.