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High recurrence rate 12 years after primary inguinal hernia repair
P Melis1, D G van der Drift, R Sybrandy
1Department of Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|May 19, 2000
Summary
The Griffith repair for inguinal hernia shows a high long-term recurrence rate of 22%, with 40% developing bilateral hernias. This suggests mesh reinforcement may be a better surgical option.
Area of Science:
- Surgical outcomes
- Hernia repair
- Long-term recurrence rates
Background:
- Inguinal hernias are common surgical conditions.
- The Griffith repair reconstructs the inguinal ligament for hernia repair.
- Long-term recurrence rates after this specific repair are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the long-term recurrence rate of inguinal hernias repaired using the Griffith method.
- To assess the incidence of recurrent and bilateral hernias after inguinal ligament reconstruction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study conducted at a teaching hospital in the Netherlands.
- Patients who underwent Griffith repair for primary inguinal hernia in 1985 were re-examined at least 12 years later.
- Independent physical examination was used to assess for recurrence.
Main Results:
- Out of 102 initial patients, 40 (45 hernias) were available for follow-up.
- A 22% recurrence rate was observed, with 4 asymptomatic hernias detected on examination.
- 11 patients (40%) developed a hernia on the opposite side, resulting in bilateral hernias.
Conclusions:
- The Griffith repair of inguinal hernias has a high long-term recurrence rate.
- Physical examination reveals a higher recurrence rate than previously reported.
- Frequent bilateral occurrences suggest that mesh-reinforced repairs may be preferable.