Laparoscopic preperitoneal repair of recurrent inguinal hernias

Repair of recurrent inguinal hernias using the conventional open technique has been associated with high rates of recurrence and complications. Stoppa has reported a low recurrence rate using the open preperitoneal approach. Evolution of laparoscopic techniques has allowed the reproduction of the op en preperitoneal repair via an endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) app roach. This study reviewed all the recurrent inguinal hernias repaired lapa roscopically and evaluated the complication and recurrence rate. A total of 512 inguinal hernias were treated laparoscopically using the TEP approach, Of these, 75 were recurrent. The ages of the 61 men ranged from 36 to 65 y ears. There were 41 direct and 34 indirect hernias, Fourteen were bilateral . None of the repairs was converted to an open procedure. The operating tim e ranged from 20 to 145 min (median 42 min). All patients were discharged h ome on the same day, There were no deaths. The complications consisted of t wo instances of urinary retention and one groin collection. Patient follow- up ranged from 6 to 72 (median 40) months, and there have been no recurrenc es to date, The TEP repair for recurrent inguinal hernias can produce resul ts comparable to the open preperitoneal technique with low morbidity and re currence rates.