Identification of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves during open inguinal hernia repair: a nationwide register-based study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain remains prevalent after open inguinal hernia repair and nerve-handling strategies are debated. Some guidelines suggest sparing nerves that are encountered; however, the nerve identification rates are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the nerve identification rates in a register-based nationwide cohort. METHODS: This study was reported according to the RECORD guideline and used prospective, routinely collected data from the Danish Hernia Database, which was linked with the National Patient Registry. We included patients ≥ 18 years old, undergoing Lichtenstein hernia repair with information on nerve handling of the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves. RESULTS: We included 30,911 open hernia repairs performed between 2012 and 2022. The ilioinguinal nerve was identified in 73% of the repairs and the iliohypogastric nerve in 66% of repairs. Both nerves were spared in more than 94% of cases where they were identified. Female patient sex, emergency and recurrence surgery, general anesthesia, medial and saddle hernias, and large defect size all result in lower nerve identification rates for both nerves. CONCLUSION: The Ilioinguinal nerve was recognized in 73% of cases, while the iliohypogastric nerve was recognized in 66% with almost all identified nerves being spared during surgery. Several pre- and intraoperative factors influenced identification rates of the ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve.

Inguinal hernia: Lichtenstein VS Shouldice technique repair: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is the most frequent operation in general surgery. The chance of a person having to undergo an inguinal hernia operation during his/her life is quite high, 27 % in men and 3 % in women. European Hernia Society guidelines state that the Lichtenstein technique (mesh-based repair) is the standard treatment of elective inguinal hernia in adults. Some authors consider the Shouldice technique (tissue-based repair) the best conventional method for open hernia repair. In this study, we compared these two methods. Methods: In This randomized study, 452 patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. 51 patients were lost during follow-up period and were excluded from further analysis in the study. Finally, the analyzed patients were 183 patients in Shouldice technique group and 218 patients in Lichtenstein technique group. All patients were examined after 1 week, 1, 3 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after the operation date. Results: After 3 years follow up Recurrence of hernia in Shouldice technique group was 7.1 % and in Lichtenstein technique group was 3 % with significant differences (p-value 0.006). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in wound infection, Seroma, hematoma, Hydrocele, Bladder damage, chronic pain in the inguinal region, and Patient Satisfaction level after surgery. Conclusion: It seems that inguinal hernia treatment by the Lichtenstein technique is better than the Shouldice technique in elective patients.

Modified Open Anterior Preperitoneal Repair.

Background and Objectives: Modified anterior preperitoneal (mAPP) repair for inguinal hernia (IH) was compared with Lichtenstein repair (LR) and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repairs. Methods: IH patients, after exclusions and subsequent matching for age, type, and extent of hernia, were assigned randomly for mAPP, LR or TAPP repair. The same surgical team performed all operations. Data of predefined endpoints for all the three groups were statistically compared. Results: One hundred thirty-five patients underwent mAPP, 91 patients LR, and 181 patients TAPP. The operating time for both unilateral and bilateral hernias in the mAPP group was significantly shorter than in LR and TAPP groups. mAPP patients were discharged in significantly less time than LR patients but later than TAPP patients. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score at 24 hours in the mAPP patients was significantly less than LR but at 48 hours the difference was equivocal. But VAS score after mAPP at 24 and 48 hrs was more than in TAPP patients. However, the pain score across all the three groups was similar at 7 days. There was no surgical site infection (SSI) or mesh infection in any patient. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain was seen less often after mAPP than after LR but was least in TAPP patients. Recurrence across all the three groups was not much different. Conclusion: mAPP appears to be a better choice for open IH repair than LR and matches the advantages of Laparoscopic repairs.

Bilateral inguinal hernia repair and male fertility: a randomized clinical trial comparing Lichtenstein versus laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique.

BACKGROUND: The effects of hernia repair on testicular function remain uncertain, regardless of the technique used. Studies that analyze testicular volume and flow after hernia repair or hormonal measurements are scarce and show contradictory results. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of bilateral inguinal hernia repair on male fertility in surgical patients in whom the Lichtenstein and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) techniques were used. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial comparing open (Lichtenstein) versus laparoscopic (TAPP) hernia repair using polypropylene mesh was performed in 48 adult patients (20 to 60 years old) with primary bilateral inguinal hernia. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 90 and 180 postoperative (PO) days. Sex hormones (Testosterone, FSH, LH and SHGB) analysis, testicular ultrasonography, semen quality sexual activity changes and quality of life (QoL) were performed. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients with aged of 44 ± 11 years were included, 19 operated on Lichtenstein and 18 operated on TAPP. The surgical time was similar between techniques. The pain was greater in the Lichtenstein group on the 7th PO day. The biochemical and hormonal analyses, testicular ultrasonography (Doppler, testicular volume, and morphological findings) and sperm quality were similar between groups. However, the sperm morphology was better in the Lichtenstein group after 180 days (p < 0.05 vs. preoperative) and two patients who underwent Lichtenstein hernia repair had oligospermia after 180 days. The QoL evaluation showed a significant improvement after surgery in the following domains: physical function, role emotional, bodily pain and general health (p < 0.05). On comparison of Lichtenstein vs. TAPP none of the domains showed statistically significant differences. No patient reported sexual changes. CONCLUSION: Bilateral inguinal hernia repair with polypropylene mesh, whether using Lichtenstein or TAPP, does not impair male fertility in terms of long-term outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Approved by the Ethics Committee for the Analysis of Research Projects (CAPPesq) of the HC/FMUSP, Number 2.974.457, in June 2015, Registered on Plataforma Brasil in October 2015 under Protocol 45535015.4.0000.0068. Registered on Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05799742. Enrollment of the first subject in January 2016.

The comparative study of skin staples and polypropylene sutures for securing the mesh in Lichtenstein's tension-free inguinal hernia repair in HIV and hepatitis (B and C)-positive patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The mesh fixation in the Lichtenstein's hernioplasty was traditionally performed with polypropylene sutures. A modification of this technique uses skin staples for securing the mesh. Using polypropylene sutures may increase the needle prick injuries (NPIs) in HIV and hepatitis-positive patients. This is the first study in India to compare the efficacy of anchoring the mesh with skin staplers and polypropylene sutures in hepatitis and HIV-positive patients. Methods: Fifty-two seropositive patients undergoing sixty repairs were randomized into two groups. In the control group polypropylene mesh was secured with polypropylene sutures and the skin was closed with ethilon. In the study group polypropylene mesh was secured with skin staples and the skin was closed with staples from the same stapler. Duration of surgery, postoperative complications, NPIs, recurrences and costs were compared. Results: The operation was significantly shorter when staples were used (median 46 vs. 57 min, P<0.00001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications. The NPIs was statistically significant in the suture group as compared to the stapler group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Using skin staples to secure the mesh in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty significantly reduced the duration of surgery. It was as effective as conventional mesh fixation with polypropylene with added advantages to reduce the operating time, duration of exposure to infected blood, and the NPIs significantly in HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus-positive patients.

Transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) versus Lichtenstein for inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing postoperative outcomes in inguinal hernia repair with TIPP versus Lichtenstein technique. METHODS: Cochrane Central, Scopus, and PubMed were systematically searched for studies comparing TIPP and Lichtenstein´s technique for inguinal hernia repair. Outcomes assessed were operative time, bleeding, surgical site events, hospital stay, the Visual Analogue Pain Score, chronic pain, paresthesia rates, and recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics and random-risk effect was used if I2 > 25%. RESULTS: 790 studies were screened and 44 were thoroughly reviewed. A total of nine studies, comprising 8428 patients were included, of whom 4185 (49.7%) received TIPP and 4243 (50.3%) received Lichtenstein. We found that TIPP presented less chronic pain (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.20-0.93 P = 0.03; I2 = 84%) and paresthesia rates (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.07-0.99; P = 0.05; I2 = 63%) than Lichtenstein group. In addition, TIPP was associated with a lower VAS pain score at 14 postoperative day (MD - 0.93; 95% CI - 1.48 to - 0.39; P = 0.0007; I2 = 99%). The data showed a lower operative time with the TIPP technique (MD - 7.18; 95% CI - 12.50, - 1.87; P = 0.008; I2 = 94%). We found no statistical difference between groups regarding the other outcomes analyzed. CONCLUSION: TIPP may be a valuable technique for inguinal hernias. It was associated with lower chronic pain, and paresthesia when compared to Lichtenstein technique. Further long-term randomized studies are necessary to confirm our findings. Study registration A review protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023434909).

Comparative Study of Self-Gripping Mesh vs. Polypropylene Mesh in Lichtenstein's Open Inguinal Hernioplasty.

Background Inguinal hernia is one of the most common conditions in India, and history has many repair techniques recorded in it. Postoperative pain still remains a problem despite tension-free hernioplasty being accepted as the gold standard. Increased duration of surgery not only exposes the patient to unwanted increased chances of mesh infection but also reduces the surgeon's productivity if continued persistently. In this study, the main aim was to compare the fixation techniques of polypropylene mesh vs. self-gripping mesh in inguinal hernia surgery in terms of duration of surgery, postoperative pain, seroma, recurrence, foreign body sensation, and wound infections. Methods It is a prospective, comparative, and quantitative study conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in the Department of General Surgery. Patients presenting with inguinal hernia to the OPD were included in the study. The sampling technique used in this study is simple, convenient sampling. As a result, the calculation of the margin of error and confidence levels may be difficult. Nevertheless, the sample accurately represents the population. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group (25), patients undergoing hernioplasty with self-gripping mesh, and the control group (25), patients undergoing hernioplasty with polypropylene mesh using conventional suturing. The duration of surgery, postoperative pain, seroma, recurrence, foreign body sensation, and wound infections were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results In this study, the duration of surgery was less than one hour for three patients (12%) in the control group (polypropylene), compared to 13 (52%) patients in the study group (self-gripping), which is statistically significant. The early postoperative pain on POD 0 was greater than 4 (visual analogue score) in 8 (32%) patients in the control group and two (8%) patients in the study group. There were no significant differences in chronic pain, recurrence rate, seroma rate, or wound infection between the two groups. Conclusions In our study, we conclude that self-gripping mesh is superior to polypropylene mesh in surgery of inguinal hernia in terms of shorter duration of surgery. There is also reduced pain in the immediate postoperative period though not statistically significant. There is no significant difference in both the groups in terms of seroma formation, wound infection, foreign body sensation, and recurrence.

Comparison of Early Postoperative Outcomes Between Totally Extraperitoneal and Lichtenstein Repair of Inguinal Hernia: A Prospective Randomized Study.

Background: Surgical repair of inguinal hernia is among the most commonly performed surgical interventions in general surgery clinics, with minimal postoperative complications, less pain, and maximum cosmetic results. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent Lichtenstein repair (LR), which is currently the most commonly used open surgical procedure to repair inguinal hernias, and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with regard to postoperative cosmesis, patient satisfaction, pain, and inflammatory response. Patients and Methods: The study consisted of male patients 18-65 years of age, who were operated for inguinal hernia with two different methods between February 2022 and January 2023 in the general surgery clinic of Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were observed to evaluate the inflammatory response in all patients. Visual Analog Scale and Verbal Rating Score systems were used to monitor the response to pain in the postoperative period. In addition, both groups were evaluated for patient satisfaction in cosmetic terms using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. Results: Postoperative pain sensation in the TEP group was found to be significantly lower compared to the LR group. In terms of inflammatory response, IL-6 and CRP levels were found to be significantly higher in the LR group on postoperative day 1 and 2. Satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the surgical scar was significantly higher in the TEP group. Conclusion: TEP, which is a laparoscopic hernia repair method, is a safe surgical technique that can be preferred, especially in patients with less postoperative pain and higher cosmetic expectations. In terms of inflammatory response, significant difference is also in favor of TEP repair.

Transabdominal Preperitoneal Versus Lichtenstein Procedure for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Adults: A Comparative Evaluation of the Early Postoperative Pain and Outcomes.

Inguinal hernia repairs are one of the most common procedures in general surgery. In addition to classical open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, such as transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair, have gained acceptance and are increasingly used for inguinal hernia repairs, and these three techniques are the only standards for inguinal hernia repairs. This study aimed to compare the results of inguinal hernia repairs in adult patients using the TAPP patch technique and Lichtenstein techniques regarding the level of pain perceived one day after surgery and the number of days of hospitalization. A two-year study was performed on 129 patients who underwent TAPP vs. 109 patients who underwent Liechtenstein hernia repair. Our results revealed statistical significance for both variables (Tpain(233) = -7.12, p< 0.001, d=2.92; Tdays of hospitalization(233) = -31.34, p< 0.001, d=4.01). TAPP is a safe method for inguinal hernia repairs, allowing quick recovery and less postoperative pain than the classical Liechtenstein technique.

Improved patient-reported outcomes after open preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair compared to anterior Lichtenstein repair: 10-year ACHQC analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The Lichtenstein repair has been synonymous with "open" inguinal hernia repair (IHR) for 40 years. However, international guidelines have suggested that posterior mesh placement results in advantageous biomechanics and reduced risk of nerve-related chronic pain. Additionally, the use of local anesthetics has been shown to reduce postoperative pain and complication risks. An open transrectus preperitoneal/open preperitoneal (TREPP/OPP) repair combines posterior mesh placement with the use of local anesthetic and as such could be the ideal repair for primary inguinal hernia. Using the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) registry, we compared open anterior mesh with open posterior mesh repairs. METHODS: We performed a propensity score matched analysis of patients undergoing open IHR between 2012 and 2022 in the ACHQC. After 1:1 optimal matching, both the TREPP/OPP and Lichtenstein cohorts were balanced with 451 participants in each group. Outcomes included patient-reported quality of life (QoL), hernia recurrence, and postoperative opioid use. RESULTS: Improvement was seen after TREPP/OPP in EuraHS QoL score at 30 days (OR 0.558 [0.408, 0.761]; p = 0.001), and the difference persisted at 1 year (OR 0.588 [0.346, 0.994]; p = 0.047). Patient-reported opioid use at 30-day follow-up was significantly lower in the TREPP/OPP cohort (OR 0.31 [0.20, 0.48]; p < 0.001). 30-day frequency of surgical-site occurrences was significantly higher in the Lichtenstein repair cohort (OR 0.22 [0.06-0.61]; p = 0.007). There were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence risk at 1 year, or rates of postoperative bleeding, peripheral nerve injury, DVTs, or UTIs. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrates a benefit of posterior mesh placement (TREPP/OPP) over anterior mesh placement (Lichtenstein) in open inguinal hernia repair in patient-reported QoL and reduced opioid use.

Feasibility and outcomes of Desarda vs Lichtenstein hernioplasty by local anesthesia for inguinal hernia: a noninferiority randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The Desarda autologous tissue repair is comparable to the Lichtenstein hernioplasty for inguinal hernia regarding recurrence, chronic groin pain, and return to work activities. This study was designed to establish the outcomes of Desarda's repair versus Lichtenstein's hernioplasty concerning post-operative recovery to normal gait and its feasibility under local anesthesia (LA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective, double-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized trial. Patients undergoing open hernia repair for primary inguinal hernia were included. Patients were randomly assigned and followed up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was the time to return to normal gait post-surgery with comfort (non-inferiority margin fixed as 0.5 days). The secondary outcomes studied were post-operative pain score, the time required to return to work (all previously performed activities), and surgical-site occurrences (SSO). RESULTS: One hundred ten eligible patients were randomly assigned [56 patients (50.9%) in the Desarda group and 54 patients (49.1%) in the Lichtenstein group]. All the procedures were safely performed under LA. The median (interquartile range) time for resuming gait post-surgery with comfort was 5 days in the Desarda vs 4 days in Lichtenstein's arm (P = 0.16), thereby failing to demonstrate non-inferiority of Desarda against Lichtenstein hernioplasty. However, there were no significant differences in days to return to work, SSO, chronic groin pain, and recurrence within two years of surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study could not demonstrate the non-inferiority of the Desarda repair versus Lichtenstein hernioplasty regarding the time taken to return to normal gait. Comparing the days to return to work, pain score, SSO, and chronic groin pain, including recurrence rate, Desarda repair faired equally with Lichtenstein hernioplasty, thereby highlighting its feasibility and efficacy under LA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03512366.

Return to Work in Patients With Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery: A Comparative Study Between Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Approach and Lichtenstein Tension-Free Mesh Repair.

Objective The objective of this prospective cohort study was to compare the time to return to work between patients who underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair and those who underwent Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair with mesh for unilateral inguinal hernia. Methodology Patients were registered for unilateral inguinal hernia review at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from May 2016 to April 2017 and followed till April 2020. All patients aged 16-65 planned for unilateral transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair or Lichtenstein tension-free hernia mesh repair were included. Patients with bilateral inguinal hernia repair, limited activity, or above retirement age were excluded. A non-probability consecutive sampling technique was implemented, and patients were divided into two cohort groups: Group A underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair, while Group B underwent Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair. Patients were followed up at one week to inquire about the resumption of activities and then at one and three years for recurrence. Results Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria; three patients opted out of research, and 61 patients agreed to participate; one patient was excluded due to the conversion of the procedure. The remaining 30 in Group A and 30 in Group B were followed for the study period. The mean time to return to work in Group A was 5.33 ± 4.46 days; in Group B, it was 6.83 ± 4.58 days, with a p-value of 0.657. One recurrence was observed at three years in Group A. Conclusion Although the time to return to work at our hospital was slightly shorter in laparoscopic hernia repair than in the open technique, the results were not statistically significant. In addition, there was no significant difference in hernia recurrence at the one-year follow-up between laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair and Lichtenstein tension-free hernia mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernia.

Evaluación del dolor crónico postoperatorio en hernioplastia TAPP versus Lichtenstein por Residentes / Evaluation of chronic postoperative pain in hernioplasty Tapp versus Lichtenstein by residents

La incidencia de la hernia inguinal a lo largo de la vida es variable, pero con una mayor prevalencia en los hombres. Hoy en día no existe una técnica superior en términos de reducir el dolor postoperatorio crónico, que es la mayor morbilidad que afecta a los pacientes. Es por eso que realizamos un breve análisis comparativo, donde evaluamos la incidencia de dolor crónico entre el ensayo convencional versus laparoscópico de la patología de la hernia

The incidence of inguinal hernia throughout life is variable, but with a higher prevalence in males. Today there is no superior technique in terms of reducing chronic postoperative pain, which is the greatest morbidity that afflicts patients. That is why we carried out a brief comparative analysis, where we evaluated the incidence of chronic pain between conventional versus laparoscopic rehearsal of hernia pathology

Early Outcomes of Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) Repair.

Background Inguinal hernia repair is one of the commonest general surgical procedures performed all over the world. The introduction of synthetic mesh and laparoscopic repair has revolutionized inguinal hernia surgery in the recent past. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair is now considered a well-established procedure with minimal complications and short hospital stay and less recurrence. The TAPP approach gives a good view of the inguinal anatomy and a better understanding of the sac contents. The learning curve associated with TAPP repair is much less as compared to total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of TAPP repair for inguinal hernia in terms of the duration of surgery, hospital stay, complications, and recurrence rate. Method From March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021, a total of 60 patients with inguinal hernias between ages 25 and 70 years were included in the study. A preoperative anesthesia assessment was done, and informed written consent was taken from all patients. The TAPP procedure was performed with polypropylene mesh in all cases, and surgery was performed by a surgeon with more than five years of laparoscopic experience. Results The total number of patients included in the study was 60. All patients were male. The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 54.6±11.4 years. Unilateral primary inguinal hernia was present in 46 (76.6%) cases, recurrent in eight (13.3%) cases, and primary bilateral in six (10%) cases. The mean±SD duration of surgery for unilateral inguinal hernia was 59.1±15.7 minutes, and for bilateral hernia, it was 83.5±12.6 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 3.6±1.5 days. Scrotal swelling was noted as a common complication in seven (11.6%) cases, surgical site infection (SSI) in three (5%), mesh infection in two (3.3%), urinary retention in two (3.3%), and chronic pain in one (1.6%). No recurrence was noted. Conclusion Transabdominal preperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia is a very effective procedure with a short learning curve and minimal complication rate. The hospital stay is less, and recurrence is very low.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on Local Anaesthetic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: Open mesh repair of inguinal hernia is acceptable and can be performed under local anaesthesia (LA). Individuals with high BMI (Body Mass Index) have often been excluded from LA repairs for varying reasons including safety concerns. Open repair of unilateral inguinal hernia (UIH) amongst individuals with different BMI groups was studied. Its safety profile was investigated using LA volume and length of operation (LO) as endpoints. Operative pain and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 438 adult patients were studied having excluded underweight patients, those requiring any additional intra-operative analgesia, multiple procedures, or records with incomplete data. Operative pain, patient satisfaction, LO and LA volume were retrospectively studied from the existing data from clinical and operative notes. RESULTS: It was a predominantly male population (93.2% males) with an age range of 17-94 years peaking in the 60-69 years age group. BMI ranged 19-39 kg/m2 with BMI above normal at 62.8%. LO was 13-100 minutes (average 37 mins {SD = 12}) utilising an average LA volume of 45 ml (SD = 11) per patient. Across BMI groups, no significant difference in LO (P = 0.168) or patient satisfaction (P = 0.388) was seen. Although LA volume (P = 0.011) and pain score (P<0.001) demonstrated statistically significant differences, these did not appear to be clinically relevant. Over 90% in each BMI group experienced mild or no pain and with severe pain reported in only one patient in the entire population. Overall, LA volume required per patient was low and dosage was safe in all BMI groups with significant proportion (89%) of patients evaluated for satisfaction rating their experience ≥ 90 out of 100. CONCLUSION: LA repair is safe and well tolerated irrespective of BMI. BMI is not a viable reason for exclusion of obese/overweight individuals from LA repair.

Lichtenstein versus TIPP versus TAPP versus TEP for primary inguinal hernia, a matched propensity score study on the French Club Hernie Registry.

PURPOSE: Groin hernia repair is one of the most frequent operation performed worldwide. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is the most common and challenging complication after surgical repair with subsequent high socio-economic impact. The aim of this study was to compare the one-year CPIP rates between Lichtenstein, trans-inguinal pre-peritoneal (TIPP), trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair techniques on the French Hernia Registry. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2021, 15,161 primary groin hernia repairs with 1-year follow-up were available on the register. Using propensity score (PS) matching, matched pairs were formed. Each group was compared in pairs independently; Lichtenstein versus TIPP, TEP and TAPP, TIPP versus TEP and TAPP and finally TEP versus TAPP. RESULTS: After PS matching analysis, Lichtenstein group showed disadvantage over TIPP, TAPP and TEP groups with significantly more CPIP at one year (15.2% vs 9.6%, p < 0.0001; 15.9% vs. 10.0%, p < 0.0001 and 16.1% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.002, respectively). The 1-year CPIP rates were similar comparing TIPP versus TAPP and TEP groups (9.3% vs 10.5%, p = 0.19 and 9.8% vs 11.8%, p = 0.05, respectively). There was significantly less CPIP rate after TAPP versus TEP repair (1.00% vs 11.9%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This register-based study confirms the higher CPIP risk after Lichtenstein repair compared to the pre-peritoneal repair techniques. TIPP leads to comparable CPIP rates than TAPP and TEP repairs.

Varying convalescence recommendations for sport and heavy lifting after groin hernia repair: a nationwide survey among leading hernia surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Recent international hernia guidelines state that work and leisure activities after inguinal hernia repair can be resumed after a convalescence of three to five days for most patients. There is no specific recommendation for convalescence duration before resuming sport and heavy lifting. This nationwide survey aimed to assess leading hernia surgeons' recommendations for convalescence after groin hernia repair and to explore their general opinions regarding convalescence. METHODS: A validated questionnaire was sent to 32 leading groin hernia surgeons covering all Danish private and public hospitals. The primary outcome was convalescence recommendations following Lichtenstein and laparoscopic groin hernia repair for activities of daily living, light work, sport, and heavy lifting. RESULTS: A total of 29 surgeons (91%) responded to the questionnaire. The surgeons generally agreed on resuming daily activities and light work as soon as possible according to the level of pain. For resumption of sport, the surgeons recommended a median convalescence of 14 days (IQR 10-23, range 7-30) after Lichtenstein repair and 14 days (IQR 10-21, range 7-30) after laparoscopic repair. Most of the surgeons instructed patients with a defined number of days before resuming heavy lifting, which after Lichtenstein repair was median 14 days (IQR 8-28, range 2-30) and after laparoscopic repair was median 21 days (IQR 14-30, range 7-30). None of the surgeons routinely prescribed sick leave. Seventeen surgeons (61%) thought that recommending a too short convalescence could cause complications, primarily recurrence, hematoma, and pain. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that surgeons agreed on the resumption of daily activities and light work as soon as possible according to the level of pain. However, a broad spectrum of convalescence recommendations was revealed for sport and heavy lifting.

Risk factors for early and late morbidity in patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing inguinal hernia repair with a tailored approach: a single-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is a common procedure in surgery. Patients with cardiovascular disease have an increased operative risk for postoperative morbidity. The study aimed to identify the most beneficial surgical procedure for these patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective surgery for unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia between December 2015 and February 2020 were included. The cohort was divided into the group of patients with (CVD group) and without (NO group) cardiovascular disease and analyzed according to the postoperative morbidity distribution and correlated to the surgical technique used. RESULTS: Of the 474 patients included 223 (47%) were operated on using the Lichtenstein technique and 251 (53%) using TAPP, respectively. In the CVD group the Lichtenstein procedure was more common (n = 102, 68.9%), in the NO group it was TAPP (n = 205, 62.9%; p < 0.001). 13 (8.8%) patients in the CVD group and 12 (3.7%) patients in the NO group developed a postoperative hematoma (p = 0.023). In the further subgroup analysis within the CVD group revealed cumarine treatment as a risk factor for postoperative hematoma development, whereas the laparoscopic approach did not elevate the morbidity risk. CONCLUSION: CVD is a known risk factor for perioperative morbidity in general surgery, however, the TAPP method does not elevate the individual perioperative risk.

Long-term results of the SOFTGRIP trial: TIPP versus ProGrip Lichtenstein's inguinal hernia repair.

PURPOSE: In preventing Chronic Postoperative Inguinal Pain (CPIP) after inguinal herniorrhaphy, mesh position and mesh fixation seem important factors. The SOFTGRIP trial compared the TransInguinal PrePeritoneal (TIPP) repair to Polysoft mesh, to the Open anterior repair (Lichtenstein) using the self-gripping ProGrip mesh. Since CPIP might resolve and recurrence rate increase, this study reports the SOFTGRIP trial's long-term results (with a minimal follow-up of 5 years). METHODS: All patients initially randomized in the SOFTGRIP trial were contacted if not deceased. Patients were invited for an interview and physical examination. The procedures and methodology of this randomized clinical trial have been published together with the short-term results. The main outcomes for this long-term follow-up study were chronic pain, recurrences, re-operations and numbness. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients (81.4% of the initially randomized patients) were included for long-term follow-up analyses, 96 after TIPP, 97 after ProGrip Lichtenstein. After a median follow-up of 74 months (range 60-80) there were no significant differences between the two groups. Overall, chronic pain drastically decreased. Fourteen patients reported CPIP at long-term follow-up (overall 7.3%, 7 after TIPP and 7 after ProGrip Lichtenstein, any form, frequency and intensity of pain included). Recurrence rate increased from 2.6% (n = 6) at one-year follow-up, to 8.3% (n = 16) at 5-year's follow-up. CONCLUSION: The SOFTGRIP trial´s long-term outcomes show that after both TIPP and ProGrip Lichtenstein, recurrence rate increases and CPIP mostly disappears. These findings aid in better informing patients on the benefits and harms of inguinal hernia repair. The findings of accumulating recurrences and fading of chronic pain, confirms the need for long-term follow-up studies. High-quality long-term data on TIPP, ProGrip Lichtenstein and other types of herniorrhaphy are scarce and complication rates vary widely. Further long-term studies are needed to reveal the true spectrum of benefits and harms of the different inguinal hernia repair techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on August 25, 2009 at the Dutch Trial Registry ( www.trialregister.nl ) NTR1853.