Background: In most reports different techniques have been described for co
mbinations of primary and recurrent hernias. The aim of this study was to i
nvestigate and compare the results of endoscopic total extraperitoneal repa
ir (TEP) of primary and recurrent inguinal hernias.
Methods: From January 1993 to July 1995, 221 patients with an unilateral in
guinal hernia (186 primary and 35 recurrent) underwent TEP repair. Follow-u
p, including physical examination, was performed at regular 3-month interva
ls.
Results: The mean operation time was 37.6 min. Minor perioperative complica
tions occurred in 23 cases. Conversion was required for 16 patients (7.2%).
Postoperative complications were reported for 11.7% of the patients. Hospi
tal stay was short. Mean follow-up was 40.4 months. The recurrence rate was
3.2% for primary hernias and 20% for recurrent hernias.
Conclusions: This study confirms the preliminary success of TEP for primary
inguinal hernia repair, as previously reported. The high recurrence rate a
fter endoscopic repair of recurrent hernias needs to be studied further.