Endoscopic total extraperitoneal repair of primary and recurrent inguinal hernias

Background: In most reports different techniques have been described for combinations of primary and recurrent hernias. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the results of endoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) of primary and recurrent inguinal hernias. Methods: From January 1993 to July 1995, 221 patients with an unilateral inguinal hernia (186 primary and 35 recurrent) underwent TEP repair. Follow-up, including physical examination, was performed at regular 3-month intervals. Results: The mean operation time was 37.6 min. Minor perioperative complications occurred in 23 cases. Conversion was required for 16 patients (7.2%). Postoperative complications were reported for 11.7% of the patients. Hospital stay was short. Mean follow-up was 40.4 months. The recurrence rate was 3.2% for primary hernias and 20% for recurrent hernias. Conclusions: This study confirms the preliminary success of TEP for primary inguinal hernia repair, as previously reported. The high recurrence rate after endoscopic repair of recurrent hernias needs to be studied further.