Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernias after endoscopic herniorrhaphy

Background: Although the recurrence rate for endoscopic herniorraphy is low (0-3%), it is still debatable whether these recurrences should be corrected laparoscopically or by the conventional method. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these recurrences can be repaired by means of the laparoscopic approach with acceptable complication and recurrence rates. Methods: From October 1992 to December 1997, 34 patients with recurrent inguinal hernias at physical examination underwent surgery at our institutions. All the recurrences occurred following endoscopic inguinal hernia repair with mesh prostheses. The recurrences were repaired endoscopically using a transabdominal approach. Depending on the size of the defect, a new polypropylene mesh was used. Results: Mean surgery time was 69 min. There were no conversions to the anterior approach. After a mean follow-up of 35 months, no recurrences had been diagnosed. Conclusion: The transabdominal preperitoneal approach is a reliable technique for recurrent inguinal hernia repair after previous endoscopic herniorrhaphy.