Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy. A personal audit of 222 hernia repairs

To analyse the results of an audit of laparoscopic repair of 222 hernias of the inguinal region.

From August 1991 to October 1993, 207 patients were referred for surgical management of groin hernias and underwent laparoscopic repair. Details of preoperative assessment, laparoscopic findings and repair details, together with postoperative outcome, were collated.

The 207 patients had 230 hernias. After laparoscopic assessment only eight needed open repair. Laparoscopic repair was completed on 213 inguinal, eight femoral and one lateral groin incisional hernias. There were no emergency procedures. Four hernias have recurred. Postoperative complications have included two laparotomies, one for intraperitoneal bleeding and the other for bowel perforation. Resumption of normal activities or work was possible after an average of 13.4 days.

The early results of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair show that this is an acceptable method and offers the patient early resumption of normal activities.