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Inguinal hernia is a common complication in lower midline incision surgery

J Stranne1, J Hugosson, P Lodding

  • 1Department of Urology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Göteborg, Sweden. johan.stranne@vgregion.se

Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and Abdominal Wall Surgery
|April 5, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Lower midline incision surgery in men, including open prostatectomy and cystectomy, increases the risk of inguinal hernia. This complication is common after these procedures, unlike in non-operated individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • General Surgery

Background:

  • Inguinal hernia is a recognized complication following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).
  • The risk of inguinal hernia after other lower midline abdominal surgeries in males is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between various lower midline incision surgeries in males and the subsequent risk of developing inguinal hernias.
  • To compare the incidence of inguinal hernias after different surgical procedures with a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving male patients who underwent open prostatectomy (n=95), pelvic lymph node dissection (n=88), or cystectomy (n=76).
  • Data collected via questionnaires regarding postoperative inguinal hernia morbidity.
  • Comparison with a historical cohort who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (n=271) and a control group of non-operated men (n=953).
  • Calculation of annual attributional hernia morbidity and Kaplan-Meier hernia-free survival.

Main Results:

  • The cumulative incidence and annual morbidity of inguinal hernias were significantly higher in patients who underwent lower midline incision surgeries compared to the non-operated control group.
  • Higher hernia rates were observed in the early years post-surgery across all investigated procedures.
  • Radical retropubic prostatectomy, open prostatectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and cystectomy all showed increased inguinal hernia risk.

Conclusions:

  • Inguinal hernia is a common postoperative complication following all investigated lower midline incision surgeries in males.
  • The risk of developing an inguinal hernia is elevated after procedures such as open prostatectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and cystectomy.
  • These findings highlight the need for awareness and potential preventative strategies for inguinal hernias in male patients undergoing lower midline abdominal surgery.

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