Laparoscopic groin hernia repair: results of 200 consecutive herniorraphies

Laparoscopic hernia surgery was introduced in this unit in May 1992. Up to September 1993, 175 patients with 200 inguinal and femoral hernias were treated using this approach. This prospective study deals with intraoperative and postoperative complications, patient recovery and early operative results. The median (range) age was 58 (21-87) years and the median (range) follow-up was 12 (5-24) months. A laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal technique was used. The median (range) operation time was 67 (23-160) min for unilateral hernias and the median (range) hospital stay was 1 (0-27) day. Major complications were two postoperative bowel obstructions and seven recurrences, six of these in the first 31 patients. Overall, 17 minor complications were recorded; 52 per cent of the patients were back at work within 1 week, and 94 per cent within 1 month. The value of laparoscopic hernia repair remains to be determined and randomized controlled trials will be necessary.