The ONSTEP inguinal hernia repair technique: initial clinical experience of 693 patients, in two institutions

Purpose

Experience with a novel hernioplasty procedure—the ONSTEP approach—for inguinal hernia repair in a large series of patients performed by two surgeons at two institutions is described, focusing in particular on the duration of surgery, the time taken to return to normal activities, chronic pain, complication and recurrence rates.

Methods

Adult patients underwent inguinal hernia repair using the ONSTEP approach. The hernia defect was repaired using a PolySoft? hernia patch. Patients were followed up for 1 year for pain, complications and recurrences.

Results

A total of 693 patients underwent ONSTEP inguinal hernia repair. The mean duration of surgery (±SD) was 17 ± 6 min; the time to discharge from hospital was less than 24 h in all patients; and the mean time to return to normal daily activities was 6.1 ± 3.0 days. The overall complication rate was 1.0 % and the overall recurrence rate was 0.6 %. Residual pain was present in 4 patients at 6 months and was cured by removal of the memory ring in 3 patients and disappeared spontaneously in one case, so that there was no case of chronic pain at 1 year.

Conclusions

The ONSTEP inguinal hernia repair technique described is simple, quick to perform, produces consistent results and is associated with very low overall complication, chronic pain and recurrence rates. It may offer an alternative to both Lichtenstein and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.     

An animal model to train Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure, and the majority of operations worldwide are performed ad modum Lichtenstein (open tension-free mesh repair). Until now, no suitable surgical training model has been available for this procedure. We propose an experimental surgical training model for Lichtenstein’s procedure on the male and female pig.

Methods

In the pig, an incision is made 1 cm cranially to the inguinal sulcus where a string of subcutaneous lymph nodes is located and extends toward the pubic tubercle. The spermatic cord is located in a narrow sulcus in the pig, thus complicating the procedure if operation should be done in the inguinal canal. The chain of lymph nodes resembles the human spermatic cord and can be used to perform Lichtenstein’s hernia repair.

Results

This experimental surgical model has been tested on two adult male pigs and three adult female pigs, and a total of 55 surgeons have been educated to perform Lichtenstein’s hernia repair in these animals.

Conclusions

This new experimental surgical model for training Lichtenstein’s hernia repair mimics the human inguinal anatomy enough to make it suitable as a training model. The operation facilitates the training in the positioning and fixation of the mesh and can be performed numerous times on the same pig. It is therefore a useful training method for inexperienced surgeons to obtain experience in aspects of the Lichtenstein procedure.     

Survey of post-operative instructions after inguinal hernia repair in England in 2012

Introduction

The annual cost of employee absences from work to UK business is estimated to be £32 billion, with routine post-operative recovery time being the second commonest reason for employee absence. We surveyed what post-operative instructions are currently being given to patients by surgeons after inguinal hernia repair in England.

Methods

Acute trusts were emailed in England asking for leaflets and patients information regarding inguinal hernia repair under the Freedom of Information Act (2000).

Results

A total of 128 (89.5 %) trusts replied. Leaflets were returned by 93 (65 %) trusts. After inguinal hernia repair, the time to return to work varied widely according to office work (range 1–6 weeks) and manual labour work (range 2–12 weeks). The time advised to return to driving ranged from 24 h to 6 weeks. The time advised before allowing sexual activities ranged from 1 to 4 weeks and return to sports ranged from 2 to 12 weeks after hernia repair.

Conclusion

Surgeons and trusts should be able to provide patients with printed consistent and accurate information regarding their post-operative recovery time, including return to driving and return to work.     

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare single-port endo-laparoscopic surgery versus conventional TEP inguinal hernia repair

Introduction

The success of laparoscopic surgery is due to the less surgical trauma, including less operative pain, complications and better cosmetics. Objective of our study was to compare in two blind randomized groups of patients, the surgical outcome of total extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair using either single-port or conventional surgical technique. We will report our interim results in the first group of 50 patients.

Materials and methods

Our study is a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from August 2011 to June 2013. Fifty patients aged between 21 and 80 years undergoing surgery for unilateral inguinal hernia were randomised into two groups: conventional laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair versus single-port TEP repair. Clinical data on patient demographics, surgical technique and findings, postoperative complications and pain scores were collected. Primary endpoint is the postoperative pain while secondary endpoints are recurrence, chronic pain, postoperative hospital stay and complications.

Results

Out of the 50 patients, 26 underwent single-port hernia TEP repair and 24 had conventional 3-port TEP hernia repair after randomization. Mean operative time was 51.7 (±13.4) min in the multiport group and 59.3 (±14.9) min in the single-port group, respectively (P = 0.064). Mean hospital stay was 19.7 (±4.8) h in the conventional group and 22.1 (±4.5) h in the single-port group (P = 0.079). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups for postoperative complications, and no recurrence reported at 11 months follow-up. There was no significant difference in the pain scores (visual analog scale) between the two groups at regular intervals post surgery.

Discussion

The outcomes after laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair with a single-port device are comparable to the standard three-port technique.     

Acceptable nationwide outcome after paediatric inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

The primary objective was to describe 30-day outcomes after primary inguinal paediatric hernia repair.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from the National Patient Registry covering a 2-year study period 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006 were collected. Unexpected outcomes were defined as either/or hospital stay for >1 day (i.e. 2 nights at hospital or more), readmission within 30 days, reoperations within 12 months after repair including repair for recurrence, and death within 30 days after repair.

Results

The study cohort comprised 2,476 patients, and unexpected outcome was found in 267 patients/repairs (10.8 %). Prolonged hospital stay was by far the most prevalent indicator of unexpected outcome. Prolonged hospital stay was in 8.2 %, readmission in 2.1 %, reoperation in 0.7 %, and complications were observed in 1.1 %. One patient died within 30 days after repair, but death was not associated with the inguinal hernia repair. The usual technique was a simple sutured plasty (96.5 %). Emergency repair was performed in 54 patients (2.2 %) mainly in children between 0 and 2 years (79.6 %). During the 1 year follow-up, reoperation for recurrent inguinal hernia was performed in 8 children after elective repair (recurrence rate 0.3 %). Paediatric repairs were for most parts performed in surgical public hospitals, and most departments performed less than 10 inguinal hernia repairs within the 2 years study period.

Conclusion

These nationwide results are acceptable with low numbers of patients staying more than one night at hospital, low morbidity, and no procedure-related mortality.     

Open inguinal hernia repair with the use of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate absorbable mesh: a critical update of the long-term results

Purpose

Our group evaluated on a pilot basis open inguinal hernia repair with the use of a fully absorbable mesh aiming to take mesh inguinal hernia repair one step forward. The purpose of the present study was to assess the long-term results of the proposed technique.

Methods

Patients that were included in our previous report were followed up at 3 years after the initial operation.

Results

Ten patients underwent open inguinal hernia repair with the use of an absorbable polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate mesh. 3 years after the procedure, from the total of ten patients, two were lost to follow-up (20 %). Three patients (37.5 %), one with direct and two with indirect hernia, were diagnosed clinically with a recurrence at the follow-up of 3 years. Recurrences were developed nearly 2 years—median 24 months (range 18–30)—after the initial operation. Among patients without recurrence none complained about chronic pain, foreign body sensation or numbness. On the other hand, chronic pain was a constant complain in the recurrence patient group.

Conclusions

The results of the 3-year follow-up in the given patient sample alleviate the initial enthusiasm regarding the use of an absorbable mesh for inguinal hernia repair as an attractive alternative and causes skepticism about the generalized use of the procedure in its certain form.     

Laparoscopic versus open repair of inguinal hernia: a longitudinal cohort study

Background

Traditionally, repair of an inguinal hernia has been by an open method, but laparoscopic techniques have recently been introduced and are increasing in popularity. This study aimed to compare early and late outcomes following laparoscopic and open repair of inguinal hernia.

Methods

We performed an analysis of inpatient Hospital Episode Statistics. Early-outcome criteria studied include in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, complications (infection, bleeding, injury to an organ, and urinary retention), and readmission. Late outcome was assessed by the need for a further inguinal hernia repair on the same side.

Results

Between April 2002 and April 2004 there were 125,342 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair and were included in the analysis. They were followed until April 2009. There were no differences in postoperative stay between the laparoscopic and open groups except for the laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair patients who had a shorter stay than the open group. Infection and bleeding were more common following open repair, whilst urinary retention and injury to an organ were more frequent after laparoscopic repair. Reoperation for another inguinal hernia was more common after laparoscopic (4.0 %) than after open repair of primary inguinal hernia (2.1 %), mostly in the first year after surgery. There was no difference in reoperation rate following repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia. Consultant caseload was strongly inversely correlated with reoperation following laparoscopic but not open repair of primary inguinal hernia.

Conclusions

Reoperation is more common after laparoscopic than after open repair of primary but not recurrent inguinal hernia. Surgeons with a low laparoscopic hernia repair caseload have an increased reoperation rate following laparoscopic repair of primary inguinal hernia. The increase in reoperation rate following laparoscopic repair is seen in the first year or two following the initial surgery.     

Suction test to demonstrate the peritoneal edge during laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Introduction

Inadequate peritoneal dissection from retroperitoneal structures may account for a large number of hernia recurrences amongst surgeons and trainees who are new to totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. In this paper, we describe a simple dynamic test that allows surgeons to better appreciate the peritoneal edge during the initial dissection phase of TEP inguinal hernia repair, allowing for more adequate dissection of the peritoneum from retroperitoneal structures before placement of mesh.

Methods

Data from a single surgeon was collected on 113 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. The data was retrospectively reviewed to determine the number of cases in which the suction test led to further peritoneal dissection prior to mesh placement.

Operative Technique

After balloon dissection of the pre-peritoneal space and initial dissection of peritoneum and sac from retroperitoneal structures, a laparoscopic suction device is used to aspirate the insufflated gas from the pre-peritoneal space to cause the peritoneum to bulge anteriorly, thus demonstrating the edge of the peritoneal reflection. Further dissection is performed if deemed necessary at this point, and the mesh is placed over the hernia defect.

Results

136 TEP hernia repairs were performed in 113 patients. In 26 (23 %) of patients, the abovementioned technique was of particular value resulting in further dissection of peritoneum prior to mesh placement. There were no complications as a direct result of the test.

Conclusion

This dynamic suction test is a risk-free and useful operative tool for surgeons and trainees who are new to TEP inguinal hernia repair, and provides a definitive way of identifying the peritoneal reflection to ensure the peritoneum has been dissected adequately prior to mesh placement.     

Randomised trial comparing Lichtenstein vs Trabucco vs Valenti techniques in inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

Following Lichtenstein’s technique, over the last 15 years several variation have been proposed, such as Trabucco’s sutureless technique and the use of two self-regulating prostheses, proposed by Valenti that have given excellent results. The aim of this prospective and randomised study was to determine whether there are differences in the results obtained with these three techniques.

Methods

Of 812 patients submitted to inguinal hernia repair, we selected and randomised 162 patients into three groups of 54 patients each: Lichtenstein (Group L), Trabucco (Group T) and Valenti (Group V). Surgical procedures were performed in all cases by residents in surgery using local anaesthesia. Primary endpoint was intensity of postoperative pain. Median follow-up was 8 years.

Results

The primary analysis of postoperative pain at 48 h did not report any significant difference between the three groups as for secondary analyses except that the Trabucco procedure took less operative time than the Lichtenstein, and the Valenti group was more painful than the Lichtenstein group at the third postoperative day. In our series median operation time was 60 min. Recurrence rate was 1.85 %.

Conclusions

Surgical repair of inguinal hernia according to the Lichtenstein, Trabucco and Valenti techniques is safe and easy to perform regardless of the surgical experience of the operator, with excellent results and no differences due to technique used as regards almost all of the parameters studied.     

Direct and Recurrent Inguinal Hernias Are Associated with Ventral Hernia Repair: A Database Study

Background

A systemically altered connective tissue metabolism has been demonstrated in patients with abdominal wall hernias. The most pronounced connective tissue changes are found in patients with direct or recurrent inguinal hernias as opposed to patients with indirect inguinal hernias. The aim of the present study was to assess whether direct or recurrent inguinal hernias are associated with an elevated rate of ventral hernia surgery.

Methods

In the nationwide Danish Hernia Database, a cohort of 92,457 patients operated on for inguinal hernias was recorded from January 1998 until June 2010. Eight-hundred forty-three (0.91 %) of these patients underwent a ventral hernia operation between January 2007 and June 2010. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess an association between inguinal and ventral hernia repair.

Results

Direct (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.28 [95 % CI, 1.08–1.51]) and recurrent (OR = 1.76, [95 % CI, 1.39–2.23]) inguinal hernias were significantly associated with ventral hernia repair after adjustment for age, gender, and surgical approach (open or laparoscopic).

Conclusions

Patients with direct and recurrent inguinal herniation are more prone to ventral hernia repair than patients with indirect inguinal herniation. This is the first study to show that herniogenesis is associated with type of inguinal hernia.     

Use of fibrin sealant (Tisseel/Tissucol) in hernia repair: a systematic review

Background

Abdominal wall and inguinal hernia repair are the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States and Europe. However, traditional methods of mesh fixation are associated with a number of problems including substantial risks of recurrence and of postoperative and chronic pain. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the clinical safety and efficacy of Tisseel/Tissucol fibrin sealant for hernia mesh fixation.

Methods

A PubMed title/abstract search was conducted using the following terms: (fibrin glue OR fibrin sealant OR Tisseel OR Tissucol) AND hernia repair. The bibliographies of the publications identified in the search were reviewed for additional references.

Results

There were 36 Tisseel/Tissucol studies included in this review involving 5,993 patients undergoing surgery for hernia. In open repair of inguinal hernias, Tisseel compared favorably with traditional methods of mesh fixation, being associated with shorter operative times and hospital stays and a lower incidence of chronic pain. Similarly, after laparoscopic/endoscopic inguinal hernia repair, Tisseel/Tissucol was associated with less use of postoperative analgesics and less acute and chronic postoperative pain than tissue-penetrating mesh-fixation methods. Other end points of concern to surgeons and patients are the risks of inguinal hernia recurrence and of complications such as hematoma formation and intraoperative bleeding. Comparative studies show that Tisseel/Tissucol does not increase the risk of these outcomes and may, in fact, decrease the risk compared with tissue-penetrating fixation methods. When used in the repair of incisional hernias, Tisseel/Tissucol significantly decreased both postoperative morbidity and duration of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Clinical evidence published to date supports the use of Tisseel/Tissucol as an option for mesh fixation in open and laparoscopic/endoscopic repair of inguinal and incisional hernias. Guidelines of the International Endohernia Society recommend fibrin sealant mesh fixation, especially in inguinal hernia repair. Nonfixation is reserved for selected cases.     

Comparison of hospital costs and length of stay associated with open-mesh, totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair, and transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: An analysis of observational data using propensity score matching

Background

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is increasingly seen as the superior technique in hernia repair. Compared to open-mesh hernia repair, laparoscopic approaches are often reported to be more cost-effective but incur higher costs for the provider. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of nonincarcerated inguinal hernias in men on hospital costs and length of stay (LoS).

Methods

We used routine administrative, highly standardized, patient-level cost data from 15 German hospitals participating in the national cost data study. We compared TEP, TAPP, and open-mesh repair. We conducted propensity score matching to account for baseline differences between treatment groups and subsequently estimated the treatment effect on costs and LoS.

Results

Total costs for both TEP and TAPP surgery were significantly lower than those for open-mesh repair (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). TEP repair also had a slight but nonsignificant advantage in total costs compared to TAPP repair, while TAPP surgery was associated with a significantly shorter LoS than TEP (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Results suggest that laparoscopic approaches in hernia repair are not necessarily associated with higher hospital resource consumption than open-mesh repair.     

Prevalence of Inguinal Hernia in Adult Men in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Background

Inguinal hernia is thought to be common in rural Ghana, though no recent data exist on hernia prevalence in the country. This information is needed to guide policy and increase access to safe hernia repair in Ghana and other low-resource settings.

Methods

Adult men randomly selected from the Barekese sub-district of Ashanti Region, Ghana were examined by surgeons for the presence of inguinal hernia. Men with hernia completed a survey on demographics, knowledge of the disease, and barriers to surgical treatment.

Results

A total of 803 participants were examined, while 105 participants completed the survey. The prevalence of inguinal hernia was 10.8 % (95 % CI 8.0, 13.6 %), and 2.2 % (95 % CI 0, 5.4 %) of participants had scars indicative of previous repair, making the overall prevalence of treated and untreated inguinal hernia 13.0 % (95 % CI 10.2, 15.7 %). Prevalence of inguinal hernia increased with age; 35.4 % (95 % CI 23.6, 47.2 %) of men aged 65 and older had inguinal hernia. Untreated inguinal hernia was associated with lower socio-economic status. Of those with inguinal hernia, 52.4 % did not know the cause of hernia. The most common reason cited for failing to seek medical care was cost (48.2 %).

Conclusion

Although inguinal hernia is common among adult men living in rural Ghana, surgical repair rates are low. We propose a multi-faceted public health campaign aimed at increasing access to safe hernia repair in Ghana. This approach includes a training program of non-surgeons in inguinal hernia repair headed by the Ghana Hernia Society and could be adapted for use in other low-resource settings

     

Cost-Effectiveness of Ingunial Hernia Surgery in Northwestern Ecuador

Background

Cost-effectiveness of tension-free inguinal hernia repair at a private 20-bed rural hospital in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, was calculated relative to no treatment.

Methods

Lichtenstein repair using mosquito net or polypropylene commercial mesh was provided to patients with inguinal hernia by surgeons from Europe and North America. Prospective data were collected from provider, patient, and societal perspectives, with component costs collected on site and from local supply companies or published literature. Patient outcomes were forecasted using disability adjusted life years (DALYs) averted. Uncertainty in patient-level data was evaluated with Monte–Carlo simulation.

Results:

Surgery was provided to 102 patients with inguinal hernias of various sizes. Local anesthesia was used for 80 % of operations during the first mission, and spinal anesthesia was used for 89 % in the second mission. Few complications were observed. An average 6.39 DALYs (3,0) were averted per patient (95 % confidence interval: 6.22–6.84). The average cost per patient was US$499.33 (95 % CI: US$490.19–$526.03) from a provider perspective, US$118.79 (95 % CI: US$110.28–$143.72) from a patient perspective, and US$615.46 (95 % CI: US$603.39–$650.40) from a societal perspective. Mean cost-effectiveness from a provider perspective was US$78.18/DALY averted (95 % CI: US$75.86–$85.78) according to DALYs (3,0) averted using the West Life Table level 26, well below the Ecuadorian per-capita Gross National Income (US$3,850). Results were robust to all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Inguinal hernia repair was cost-effective in western Ecuador through international collaboration.     

Assessing the impact of short-term surgical education on practice: a retrospective study of the introduction of mesh for inguinal hernia repair in sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is the most common general surgery operation performed globally. However, the adoption of tension-free hernia repair with mesh has been limited in low-income settings, largely due to a lack of technical training and resources. The present study evaluates the impact of a 2-day training course instructing use of polypropylene mesh for inguinal hernia repair on the practice patterns of sub-Saharan African physicians.

Methods

A surgical training course on tension-free mesh repair of hernias was provided to 16 physicians working in rural Ghanaian and Liberian hospitals. Three physicians were requested to prospectively record all their inguinal hernia surgeries, performed with or without mesh, during the 14-month period following the training. Demographic variables, diagnoses, and complications were collected by an independent data collector for mesh and non-mesh procedures.

Results

Surgery with mesh increased significantly following intervention, from near negligible levels prior to the training to 8.1 % of all inguinal hernia repairs afterwards. Mesh repair accounted for 90.8 % of recurrent hernia repairs and 2.9 % of primary hernia repairs after training. Overall complication rates between mesh and non-mesh procedures were not significantly different (p = 0.20).

Conclusions

Three physicians who participated in an intensive education course were routinely using mesh for inguinal hernia repair 14 months after the training. This represents a significant change in practice pattern. Complication rates between patients who underwent inguinal hernia repairs with and without mesh were comparable. The present study provides evidence that short-term surgical training initiatives can have a substantial impact on local healthcare practice in resource-limited settings.     

Internal plug mesh without fixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernias: a pilot study

Purpose

Mesh fixation is essential in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of inguinal hernia; however, fixation sometimes causes post-operative pain. This study investigated a novel method of laparoscopic TEP repair without mesh fixation.

Methods

This study reviewed data from about two-hundred and forty-one laparoscopic TEP repairs on 219 patients, which were performed between December 2004 and October 2005.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence rate, seroma formation, and hospital stay. However, the mean operation time was shorter in the internal plug mesh group than the fixation group (p = 0.009), and post-operative pain only occurred in 4 cases in the internal plug mesh group in comparison to 29 cases in the mesh fixation group (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

An internal plug mesh without fixation might reduce post-operative pain after laparoscopic TEP repair of an inguinal hernia. Internal plug mesh without fixation may be an alternative method in laparoscopic TEP repair, especially for those involving indirect hernias.     

Characterizing the Global Burden of Surgical Disease: A Method to Estimate Inguinal Hernia Epidemiology in Ghana

Background

Surgical conditions represent an immense yet underrecognized source of disease burden globally. Characterizing the burden of surgical disease has been defined as a priority research agenda in global surgery. Little is known about the epidemiology of inguinal hernia, a common easily treatable surgical condition, in resource-poor settings.

Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey prospective cohort study of inguinal hernia, we created a method to estimate hernia epidemiology in Ghana. We calculated inguinal hernia incidence and prevalence using Ghanaian demographic data and projected hernia prevalence under three surgical rate and hernia incidence scenarios. Disability adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with inguinal hernia along with costs for surgical repair were estimated.

Results

According to this approach, the prevalence of inguinal hernia in the Ghanaian general population is 3.15 % (range 2.79–3.50 %). Symptomatic hernias number 530,082 (range 469,501–588,980). The annual incidence of symptomatic hernias is 210 (range 186–233) per 100,000 population. At the estimated Ghanaian hernia repair rate of 30 per 100,000, a backlog of 1 million hernias in need of repair develop over 10 years. The cost of repairing all symptomatic hernias in Ghana is estimated at US$53 million, and US$106 million would be required to eliminate hernias over a 10-year period. Nearly 5 million DALYs would be averted with the repair of prevalent cases of symptomatic hernia in Ghana.

Conclusions

Data generated by our method indicate the extent to which Ghana lacks the surgical capacity to address its significant inguinal hernia disease burden. This approach provides a simple framework for calculating inguinal hernia epidemiology in resource-poor settings that may be used for advocacy and program planning in multiple country contexts.     

Trans-Rectus Sheath Extra-Peritoneal Procedure (TREPP) for Inguinal Hernia: The First 1,000 Patients

Introduction

After the introduction of mesh in inguinal hernia repair, the focus to improve surgical technique has changed from recurrence to chronic postoperative inguinal pain. At present, the most common surgical techniques are the Lichtenstein hernioplasty and total extraperitoneal procedure. Both techniques have their own specific disadvantages, with regard to potential nerve damage and the necessity of general anesthesia, respectively.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of a new technique in which the inguinal nerves are not at risk, and in which general anesthesia is not needed: trans rectus sheath extraperitoneal procedure (TREPP).

Material and methods

Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 1,000 patients were treated for inguinal hernia with TREPP. A questionnaire concerning pain, sensibility changes, patient satisfaction, and recurrence was sent to all patients.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 932 patients. Almost 90 % of patients had not experienced any pain since the surgical procedure; 8 % of patients reported experiencing some pain, but less than preoperatively; and 2 % of patients reported an increase in pain postoperatively. Recurrence occurred in 1 and 3 % were unsure about this. Reduced sensibility of the scar, scrotum, and upper leg was reported by 12.4, 1.4, and 1.5 %, respectively. Overall, 97.4 % of patients were satisfied with the results of the surgical procedure. The time period in which TREPP was performed was not associated with any of the outcome measures.

Conclusion

TREPP has proven to be a feasible new technique for inguinal hernia repair, with excellent results, justifying a randomized controlled trial in which TREPP should be compared with standard techniques.     

Emergency repair of inguinal hernia in the premature infant is associated with high direct medical costs

Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is frequently performed in premature infants. Evidence on optimal management and timing of repair, as well as related medical costs is still lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the direct medical costs of inguinal hernia, distinguishing between premature infants who had to undergo an emergency procedure and those who underwent elective inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

This cohort study based on medical records concerned premature infants with inguinal hernia who underwent surgical repair within 3 months after birth in a tertiary academic children’s hospital between January 2010 and December 2013. Two groups were distinguished: patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia requiring emergency repair and patients who underwent elective repair. Real medical costs were calculated by multiplying the volumes of healthcare use with corresponding unit prices. Nonparametric bootstrap techniques were used to derive a 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the difference in mean costs.

Results

A total of 132 premature infants were included in the analysis. Emergency surgery was performed in 29 %. Costs of hospitalization comprised 65 % of all costs. The total direct medical costs amounted to €7418 per premature infant in the emergency repair group versus €4693 in the elective repair group. Multivariate analysis showed a difference in costs of €1183 (95 % CI ?1196; 3044) in favor of elective repair after correction for potential risk factors.

Conclusion

Emergency repair of inguinal hernia in premature infants is more expensive than elective repair, even after correction for multiple confounders. This deserves to be taken into account in the debate on timing of inguinal hernia repair in premature infants.

     

An estimation of inguinal hernia epidemiology adjusted for population age structure in Tanzania

Purpose

Surgical conditions represent a significant source of global disease burden. Little is known about the epidemiology of inguinal hernia in resource-poor settings. We present a method to estimate inguinal hernia disease burden in Tanzania.

Methods

Using data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) prospective cohort study and Tanzanian demographic figures, we calculated inguinal hernia incidence and prevalence in Tanzanian adults under three surgical rate scenarios. Gender-specific incidence figures from NHANES data were adjusted according to Tanzanian population age structure. Hernia duration was adjusted for Tanzanian life expectancy within each age group.

Results

The prevalence of inguinal hernia in Tanzanian adults is 5.36 % while an estimated 12.09 % of men had hernias. Today, 683,904 adults suffer from symptomatic inguinal hernia in Tanzania. The annual incidence of symptomatic hernias in Tanzanian adults is 163 per 100,000 population. At Tanzania’s current hernia repair rate, a backlog of 995,874 hernias in need of repair will develop over 10 years. 4.4 million disability-adjusted life-years would be averted with repair of prevalent symptomatic hernias in Tanzania.

Conclusions

Our data indicate the extent of inguinal hernia disease burden in Tanzania. By adjusting our figures for the age structure of Tanzania, we have demonstrated that while the incidence of symptomatic cases may be lower than previously thought, prevalence of inguinal hernia in Tanzania remains high. This approach provides an update to our previously described methodology for calculation of inguinal hernia epidemiology in resource-poor settings that may be used in multiple country contexts.