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[Should hernia operations be carried out on elderly patients? ]
1Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Virgen del Camino, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario De Navarra
|September 3, 2003
Summary
Elderly patients over 70 undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair experience similar outcomes to younger patients. Age is not a significant factor in the success of this common surgical procedure.
Area of Science:
- Surgical outcomes
- Geriatric surgery
- Hernia repair
Background:
- Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.
- Assessing the impact of advanced age on surgical outcomes is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the outcomes of inguinal hernia repair in patients over 70 years old versus younger patients.
- To determine if age influences the success and complication rates of elective inguinal hernioplasty.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 299 patients with uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernias was conducted.
- Patients were divided into two groups: those aged 70 and above (Group 1) and those younger than 70 (Group 2).
- Variables analyzed included hernia type, recurrence rates, surgical technique, anesthesia, outpatient surgery rates, and complications.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed similarity in hernia type, surgical techniques, and anesthesia employed.
- Despite a higher anesthetic risk in older patients (54.4% ASA III vs. 7.6%), complication rates (3.3% vs. 1.4%) and outpatient surgery rates (80.0% vs. 81.8%) were not significantly different.
- The study found no significant differences in outcomes between the two age groups.
Conclusions:
- Age does not negatively impact the successful results of elective inguinal hernia repair.
- Inguinal hernioplasty is a safe and effective procedure for elderly patients, and age should not be a contraindication.