LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF INGUINAL-HERNIAS - PRELIMINARY-RESULTS IN 162 CASES

Mesch insertion is a reliable means for repairing inguinal hernias. Re sults in 162 patients treated laparoscopically via an intraperitoneal approach are reviewed herein. Analgesics were not required after the f irst postoperative day in 71% of patients. Fourteen patients were trea ted on a day-care basis. There were two recurrences due to inadequate fixation of the mesch to Cooper's ligament. The two patients who devel oped an infection did not require removal of the patch and had a stron g, completely healed wall at the follow-up evaluation after four and t en months, respectively. The number of patients and duration of follow -up are still inadequate. However, these preliminary data warrant cont inued use and evaluation of this technique.