Laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in the day-care setting

Background: Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic inguinal hernia repa ir is gaining popularity, and our preference is to perform this procedure a s a day case. This study evaluates the suitability of TEP repair in the day -care setting. Methods: A policy of day-care TEP repair, unless contraindicated, was adopt ed for inguinal hernia repair, and the outcome was prospectively evaluated. Of 87 consecutive inguinal hernia repairs, day-care TEP was possible in 54 (62%); 17 (20%) were in-patient TEP, 14 (16%) were open repairs, and 2 (2% ) were converted from TEP to open repairs. Results: Among day-care TEP repairs, median visual analog pain score at dis charge was 2.3/10, and 43% of patients had no pain. Complications included cord hematoma 2 (4%) and seroma 3 (6%). Median times for stopping analgesia , resumption of full activity, and return to work were 3, 3, and 6 days res pectively. Complete satisfaction with day-care TEP was expressed by 91% of patients; 9% were moderately satisfied, and none expressed dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Day-care TEP repair is feasible in the majority of patients wi th inguinal hernias, and it is associated with minimal complications, excel lent recovery, and a high degree of patient satisfaction.