LAPAROSCOPIC BIKINI MESH REPAIR OF BILATERAL INGUINAL-HERNIA

Laparoscopic hernia repair using a single piece of mesh was performed in 150 patients with bilateral inguinal hernia. The median operating t ime was 43 (range 30-90) min with a median hospital stay of 1 (range 1 -10) days. In all, 138 patients were discharged within 24 h of operati on. The median time for return to normal activity was 7 (range 2-60) d ays and that for return to work 14 (range 2-60) days. One patient requ ired surgery for a port-site hernia and another for a Veress needle in jury to the small bowel. Additional complications included bruising in nine patients, cord seromas in seven and urinary retention in two. Th ere have been no recurrences after a median follow-up of 18 (range 1-3 8) months. The cost benefits of a short hospital stay and rapid return to work afforded by laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair warrant furt her evaluation.