Laparoscopic versus open repair for strangulated groin hernias: 188 cases over 4 years

Currently transabdominal pre-peritoneal and totally extraperitoneal repairs are the two standard laparoscopic approaches for groin hernia repair. However, they are still largely reserved for uncomplicated elective cases. To determine whether laparoscopic groin hernia repair can achieve similar results for acute strangulated hernias as laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, we analyzed and compared the results of emergency laparoscopic surgery and open repair for strangulated groin hernias performed by our team over the past 4 years.

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We analyzed the results of patients admitted between January 2007 and January 2011 who were diagnosed with acute strangulated groin hernia and underwent emergency open or laparoscopic hernia repair during the same admission. Patients' demographic details, mode of presentation, type of hernia, intraoperative findings, operative time, postoperative course and complications were compared.

In total, 188 patients fulfilled the criteria for emergency surgical repair of strangulated groin hernias; 57 received laparoscopic and 131 received open repairs. The mean operative time was 79.82 ± 29.571 min and 80.75 ± 35.161 min, respectively. More laparotomies were performed in the open group (19 vs 0). The wound infection rate was significantly higher in the open group (12 vs 0). The mean hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (4.39 days vs 7.34 days). There was no mesh infection in either group. Recurrence occurred one case in the laparoscopic group and in three cases in the open group.

Emergency laparoscopic repair for strangulated groin hernias is feasible and appears to have a lower morbidity relative to open repair. Further study should be performed to evaluate its full potential.