Ambulatory surgery for groin hernia: the Gilbert repair

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the Gilbert repair for primary treatment of indirect inguinal hernias performed as day cases. From September 1996 to September 1998, 145 patients who were admitted for ambulatory surgery underwent Gilbert tension-free repair for treatment of unilateral inguinal hernia. Sex, age, the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) preoperative assessment score, type of anaesthesia, operating time, postoperative recovery, postoperative pain, morbidity, mortality, recurrence, return to work and the normal daily activities were assessed. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range 12-36). Gilbert's classification, type 2 and 3 hernias were the most common. Spinal anaesthesia was used in 73% of patients. Mortality was zero. Four patients developed postoperative haematomas, two urinary retention, three seromas, and two wound infections. During the follow-up period, only two recurrences of hernia were noted (1.4%). In conclusion, these data show that Gilbert repair is a safe operation, which is simple to learn. It can be performed on an outpatient basis, with a low complication rate, a low level of pain and a short recovery period. Although it seems to have a low risk of recurrence, a long-term follow-up is needed.