Laparoscopic repair of recurrent hernias

Recurrence after primary conventional inguinal herniorrhaphy occurs in approximately 10% of patients depending on the type of repair and expertise of the surgeon. The repair of the resulting recurrent hernia is a daunting task because of already weakened tissues and obscured and distorted anatomy. The failure rate of these repairs using an open anterior approach may reach as high as 36%. Because of such a high failure rate, a number of investigators have focused on repairing these difficult recurrent hernias laparoscopically using a tension-free approach. Some of the earlier reports suggested a low recurrence rate of 0.5% to 5% when a laparoscopic approach was used to repair these hernias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic treatment for recurrent hernias in our institutions.

Between February 1991 and February 1995, 96 recurrent hernias were repaired in 85 patients (78 men and 7 women). There were 48 right, 26 left, and 11 bilateral hernias. The mean age of the patients was 59 years (range, 18-86 years); the mean height was 69 in. (range, 54-77 in.); and the mean weight was 176 pounds (range, 109-280 pounds). A total of 68 herniorrhaphies were performed using the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) method: 19 using intraperitoneal on-lay mesh (IPOM) repair and 8 using the total extraperitoneal (TEP) method. The method of repair in one patient was not recorded. The mean operating time was 76 min (range, 47-172 min). Thirteen patients underwent additional procedures.

Long-term follow-up was performed by questionnaire, examination, or both in 76 patients (85 hernias). Median follow-up time was 27 months (range, 2-56 months). There were four recurrences (2 in IPOM and 2 in TAPP). Three of these were repaired laparoscopically and one conventionally. There were 20 minor and 14 major complications and no mortality. One conversion occurred in the TAPP group. Mean postoperative stay was 1.4 days (range, 0-4 days). It was felt by 92% of the patients that their symptoms were completely relieved, whereas 4% of the patients continued to exhibit symptoms for which their hernia was repaired, and 3.6% failed to answer. As reported, 86% of the patients preferred their laparoscopic repair; 1% preferred the conventional repair; and 13% failed to reply. Afterward, 77% of the patients returned to normal activity, and 35% returned to vigorous activity within 4 weeks of surgery. Satisfaction with laparoscopic repair was expressed by 92% of the patients, whereas 8% either were dissatisfied or did not answer. In the end, 95% of the patients stated that they would recommend laparoscopic hernia surgery to their family and friends.

These preliminary data show that laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernia is a safe alternative procedure with acceptable rates of recurrence and complications.