Recurrence after implementation of an updated intraoperative protocol for totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal...

Although the recurrence rate after inguinal hernia repair is low, it remains an important postoperative outcome. To further reduce this rate, modifiable risk factors should be addressed. This study assessed reoperations for recurrence-like complaints following adjustments to the intraoperative protocol aimed at preventing recurrent inguinal hernias. These adjustments included fixating mesh in large unilateral direct defects and large bilateral hernias, and thoroughly reducing inguinal lipomas.

Elective totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repairs in adults performed between January 1, 2013, and October 25, 2023, were retrospectively included. The cohort was subsequently divided into two groups based on the timing of their TEP repair: before (pre-implementation) or after (post-implementation) the protocol adjustments. The primary outcome was reoperation for recurrence-like complaints following the initial TEP repair. Secondary outcomes included mesh fixation and lipoma reduction.

A total of 12,878 TEP repairs in 12,507 patients were included (pre-implementation: 5,454; post-implementation: 7,424). Reoperation rate decreased from 0.97% pre-implementation to 0.65% post-implementation (p = 0.630). Following protocol implementation, mesh fixation for unilateral hernias significantly increased from 3.2% to 5.4% (p < 0.001), and for bilateral hernias from 9.8% to 16.3% (p < 0.001). Lipoma reduction was similar between the groups (unilateral: 32.3-32.6%, p = 0.625; bilateral: 36.0-38.1%, p = 0.288).

The adjusted intraoperative protocol demonstrated a non-significant declining trend of reoperations for recurrence-like complaints. Lipoma reduction was already well-implemented. While mesh fixation increased, it had no significant effect on the recurrence rate, so careful selection of hernias requiring fixation warrants attention.