[Day Surgery for Endoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair]

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Hernia repair outcomes

Background:

• International guidelines advocate day surgery for endoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
• Day surgery for TEP is controversial in Germany.
• TEP was implemented in an outpatient setting to meet patient demand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of outpatient TEP.
• To assess postoperative complications, readmission rates, and recurrence.
• To gauge patient satisfaction with day surgery for TEP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of unilateral TEP procedures (Jan 2013 - Dec 2015).
• Focus on complications, conversions to inpatient, and recurrence rates.
• Patient satisfaction assessed via telephone interviews.

Main Results:

• 152 of 164 patients underwent successful outpatient TEP.
• 12 patients required overnight admission for various reasons.
• Low complication rates: 9 hematomas, 3 recurrences; high satisfaction (88 very satisfied).

Conclusions:

• Outpatient endoscopic hernia repair (TEP) is safe and effective.
• High patient satisfaction and acceptance of day surgery.
• Cost-effectiveness of outpatient TEP contrasts with its limited adoption in Germany.