[Laparoscopic hernioplasty (TAPP)--complications and recurrences in 900 operations]

A prospective study of 900 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) was performed. The median operation time was 50 minutes (range 20-155); overall 44 complications (4.8%) were recorded. 8 patients (0.9%) required reoperation, in 6 cases because of postoperative bleeding or haematoma formation respectively, in one case because of testicular tenderness and in one case because of a mesh infection. Now, with the maximum follow-up of 26 months, 12 recurrences have been noted, giving a 1.33% recurrence rate. Return to work was 21 days (range 4-47 days). One year postoperatively about 83% of patients were without any complaints. A strict correlation between the complication and recurrence rate and the learning curve was found. It is concluded, that laparoscopic hernia repair (TAPP) is a safe and effective procedure. Complications and hernia recurrences diminish with experience.