Laparoscopic treatment of recurrent inguinal hernias: experience from 281 operations

The results of laparoscopic repair of 281 recurrent inguinal hernias in 260 patients are presented. One hundred sixty-eight totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and 113 transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) procedures were performed. Four major complications occurred in the early postoperative period, three of them in the TAPP group. After 2-4 years, the results were controlled by questionnaires and clinical reexaminations, if necessary. Eleven percent of the TAPP patients and 2% of the TEP patients experienced a recurrence. About 20% of the patients reported occasional discomfort and pain in the operated groin. We conclude that laparoscopic herniorrhaphy provides acceptable results in reoperative hernia surgery.