Watchful waiting vs repair for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia in men: a systematic review

Purpose

One-third of patients presenting with inguinal hernia are asymptomatic and the best treatment for these patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of applying a watchful waiting strategy for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia in men.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to May 14, 2020. Included were all types of original data written in English, German, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian involving?≥?5 male patients aged?≥?18 years old with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia and undergoing watchful waiting. This review was reported according to the PRISMA guideline.

Results

A total of nine studies were included; three randomized controlled trials, three prospective cohort studies, and three retrospective cohort studies. Data on a total of 858 unique patients following a watchful waiting strategy were included. Approximately one-third of patients crossed over from watchful waiting to surgery after 3 years increasing to more than two-thirds after 10 years. The most frequent reason for crossover was hernia-related pain (median 79%, range 48–91%). The rate of acute hernia-related operations was low (2–3%), and watchful waiting was not associated with increased mortality or postoperative complications. Levels of pain and discomfort after randomization were similar over time between patients undergoing elective repair or watchful waiting.

Conclusion

Applying a watchful waiting strategy to men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia was safe, but two-thirds of patients crossed over to surgical repair within 10 years mainly due to pain.

     

Unintended consequences of policy change to watchful waiting for asymptomatic inguinal hernias

Introduction

In 2009 the Department of Health instructed McKinsey & Company to provide advice on how commissioners might achieve world class National Health Service productivity. Asymptomatic inguinal hernia repair was identified as a potentially cosmetic procedure, with limited clinical benefit. The Birmingham and Solihull primary care trust cluster introduced a policy of watchful waiting for asymptomatic inguinal hernia, which was implemented across the health economy in December 2010. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the effect of a change in clinical commissioning policy concerning elective surgical repair of asymptomatic inguinal hernias.

Methods

A total of 1,032 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair in the 16 months after the policy change were compared with 978 patients in the 16 months before. The main outcome measure was relative proportion of emergency repair in groups before and after the policy change. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to adjust the main outcome for age, sex and hernia type.

Results

The period after the policy change was associated with 59% higher odds of emergency repair (3.6% vs 5.5%, adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.47). In turn, emergency repair was associated with higher odds of adverse events (4.7% vs 18.5%, adjusted OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 2.04–6.63) and mortality (0.1% vs 5.4%, p<0.001, Fisher’s exact test).

Conclusions

Introduction of a watchful waiting policy for asymptomatic inguinal hernias was associated with a significant increase in need for emergency repair, which was in turn associated with an increased risk of adverse events. Current policies may be placing patients at risk.     

Tension-free inguinal hernia repair: TEP versus mesh-plug versus Lichtenstein: a prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare laparoscopic hernioplasty with two open tension-free hernia repairs. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic hernioplasty is associated with a short rehabilitation, but it is a technically difficult procedure. It is unclear if it has advantages over the technically easier open tension-free herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-nine men 30 to 75 years old were randomized to undergo laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (TEP), open operation with mesh-plug and patch, or Lichtenstein's operation. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-four (98%) patients were followed for 19.8 +/- 8.6 months. Over 90% of the patients in all groups were operated in day surgery; the rest of the patients were all discharged within 24 hours. Postoperative pain (visual analog score) was lower in the patients undergoing TEP than in those undergoing Lichtenstein and mesh-plug procedures. The median sick-leave period was 5 days in the TEP group, 7 days in the mesh-plug group, and 7 days in the Lichtenstein group. The median time to full recovery was significantly shorter in the TEP group compared to the other two groups. There were no major complications. Two recurrences were found in the TEP group and two in the mesh-plug group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hernioplasty is superior to tension-free open herniorrhaphy in terms of postoperative pain and rehabilitation.     

A cost-effectiveness analysis of tension-free versus shouldice inguinal hernia repair: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Background  The use of open tension-free techniques in hernia surgery seems to be superior to those techniques that apply tension to the suture line. However, the cost-effectiveness of tension vs. tension-free repairs has not been investigated before. Methods  This study is a cost-effectiveness analysis within a randomized controlled clinical trial that compared open-tension (OT) versus mesh-plug tension-free (MPTF) hernia repair, with a 2-year follow-up for each patient. Between July 2002 and June 2003, 106 patients with inguinal hernia were randomized to either procedure. Main outcome measures included average surgical time, time to full recovery, pain visual analog scale, amount of analgesics required, off-work time, hospital stay, and heath-care costs. Results  The average cost was $885.15 (95% CI $843.56–$926.74) and $837.66 (95% CI $796.42–878.89) USD for the OT and the MPTF herniorrhaphy, respectively (P < 0.05). Average yearly savings with the MPTF repair were calculated as $7,598.84 USD. Surgery time, time to full recovery, pain visual-analog scale, use of analgesics, off-work time, and hospital stay were significantly lower for the MPTF repair. Disability-adjusted life-years were reduced 56% with the MPTF repair, which represented a total savings of $12,656.60 USD with this procedure. Conclusion  This controlled clinical trial demonstrates that the MPTF technique significantly decreases care costs in patients operated on for inguinal hernias.     

Mesh repair for lateral inguinal hernias: a non-evidence-based practice

Introduction

The EHS clinical guidelines recommend the use of mesh to repair symptomatic primary inguinal hernias (PIH) in adult males but, in spite of this, it begs the question as to why there is still place for tissue techniques. Lack of stratification of patients according to risk of recurrence in RCTs might be a cause of results disparity, since medial and mixed are hernias with higher risk of recurrence (HRRH), whereas lateral hernias present a lower risk (LRRH).

Objective

To determine whether the lack of stratification may lead to questionable conclusions regarding the protective effect of mesh techniques and to identify other methodological flaws.

Methods

In the RCTs included in the clinical guidelines that addressed recurrences of PIH after mesh and non-mesh techniques, we assessed the type of hernias classification used, the number needed to treat in LRRH and HRRH and the statistical power.

Results

Most of trials were underpowered; five studies classified the hernia types; in the three studies that compared the recurrence rates of LRRH and HRRH the effect of mesh techniques was small; only two trials record data needed to calculate the NNT in LRRH (46 y 84 patients, respectively).

Conclusion

The idea that mesh techniques reduce the recurrence rate in all PIHs is not supported by high level of evidence. The NNT for pure lateral hernias was very high and should be interpreted taking into account chronic pain rates and costs.

     

Cost-conscious decisions in the timing of operation for minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias in male patients

Background

Expectant management (EM) and early open repair (OR) are safe and effective as initial management strategies for minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia in male patients. Extended follow-up of patients in EM protocols have shown that most patients will eventually require repair, but it is not clear which strategy is less costly over the long term.

Methods

We constructed a mathematical model to compare 3rd-party payer expenditures for EM vs OR or laparoscopic repair in a simulated cohort of patients with inguinal hernia. Cohort characteristics and expenditures were calibrated to recent randomized trials that reported initial follow-up and expenditures at 2 years and long-term crossover rates from EM to OR.

Results

Cost comparisons between OR and EM are sensitive to direct long-term costs of inpatient and outpatient care, the likelihood of crossover from EM to operation, cost differences between OR and laparoscopic repair, and the net present value of longer-term costs.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that short-term costs of EM are less than those of OR and Lap-R, but early OR provides the highest long-term savings.     

Transinguinal preperitoneal memory ring patch versus Lichtenstein repair for unilateral inguinal hernias

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the transinguinal preperitoneal technique (TIPP) using a memory ring patch versus the Lichtenstein technique in relation to acute and chronic pain, post-operative complications and recurrence rates.

Methods

During an 18-month period, all adult patients that needed treatment for a unilateral inguinal or femoral hernia were treated by the TIPP repair using the Polysoft? mesh. This group was retrospectively compared with a historical cohort of patients treated by the Lichtenstein technique. Our policy concerning type of anaesthesia, post-operative pain management and visual analogue scale measurements did not change over the study period. For post-operative pain evaluation, the visual analogue scale was used (0–10) and scores were measured after 6 h, 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year and yearly thereafter. Recurrence rates were evaluated at time of clinical examinations.

Results

In total, 142 patients have been analysed with the TIPP technique (group I) versus 136 patients operated in the previous 2 years with a Lichtenstein repair (group II). In group I, 112 patients (78.9%) received a medium size patch of 14?×?7.5 cm and 30 patients (21.1%) had a large patch (16?×?9 cm). The mean operative time for a TIPP procedure was statistically shorter than for a Lichtenstein repair, 33 versus 44 min, respectively (p?=?0.04). After 24 h, 1 week and 1 month post-surgery, there was significantly less post-operative pain observed in the TIPP group than in the Lichtenstein group. In total, four recurrences were observed in the TIPP group (2.8%), of which one laterally and three medially. In group II, seven recurrences were observed in total (5.1%), of which five were detected within 2 years of follow-up (3.7%).

Conclusion

For surgeons performing the Lichtenstein repair but looking for modifications concerning pain relief and a quicker procedure, the TIPP approach is a feasible alternative that seems to be associated with less post-operative pain.     

Tension-free repair versus modified Bassini technique (Andrews technique) for strangulated inguinal hernia: a comparative study

Background: To compare tension-free hernia repair to a modified Bassini technique (Andrews technique) used to treat complicated inguinal hernia.Methods: In the period 1990–2004, 75 patients were submitted to emergency operation because of strangulated inguinal hernia. 33 patients underwent tension-free repair utilizing a polypropylene mesh (group A), whereas the remaining 42 patients underwent a modified Bassini technique (group B).Results: Mean operative time was significantly longer for group B (91.5±9.3 min vs 75.7±10.5 min, p<0.05). Postoperative hospital stay was also significantly longer in group B compared to group A (10.3±3.4 days vs 4.5±2.1 days, p<0.01). Postoperative complication rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (5/33, 15.1% vs 5/42, 11.9%, p=n.s.). No mesh had to be removed. At follow-up (mean 9±4.2 years), there was one recurrence in group A (1/33, 3%) and two recurrences in group B (2/42, 4.7%) (p=n.s.).Conclusion: The presence of a strangulated inguinal hernia cannot be considered a contraindication for the use of a prosthetic mesh.     

Recurrent inguinal hernias: surgery with transversalis fascia repair]

Some authors recommend different prosthetic repairs for treatment of recurrent groin hernia. In our institution groin hernias are treated by a modified Shouldice-repair, which considers the transversalis fascia layer only. In this prospective study 240 consecutive patients with 298 groin hernias were operated on. 46 patients were treated for 53 recurrent hernias. It was possible to carry out the operative procedure of transversalis plasty in all recurrent cases. 90% of these patients were followed-up by personal examination after a median of 26 months after operation (range 12-36 months). 89% of the patients with primary operation have been checked 15 months postoperatively. 2 patients (4.5%) of the recurrent hernias had a recurrence. This compares well with the 3.2% recurrence rate (7 patients) in the patients with primary hernias. The difference is not significant (p greater than 0.5). The only observed difference between recurrent and primary hernias was in the rate of testicular atrophy (6.8% for recurrent and 0% for primary hernias). According to our experience large prosthetic repairs are not necessary for the common case of recurrent groin hernia, but may be useful in specially selected situations.     

TEP与改良Kugel术治疗双侧腹股沟疝的临床效果

目的分析比较TEP与改良Kugel术治疗双侧腹股沟疝的临床效果及患者生活质量。 方法选取2012年1月至2017年1月在上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院接受手术治疗双侧腹股沟疝患者157例。按照手术方式分为腹腔镜组（TEP组）和开放组（改良Kugel）组。其中,TEP组71例,改良Kugel组86例。分析比较包括2组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、住院时间、术后并发症、术后早期疼痛、慢性疼痛、复发情况和生活质量。采用SPSS 20.0统计学软件进行数据分析。 结果TEP组手术时间（93.5±10.9）min,改良Kugel组（102.6±9.8）min,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。TEP组住院时间（1.05±0.21）d,改良Kugel组（1.52±0.69）d,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。TEP组术中出血量（22.1±7.1）ml,改良Kugel组（23.4±6.8）ml,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。TEP组术后恢复正常活动时间（8.67±2.32）d,改良Kugel组（9.14±2.40）d,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。TEP组术后并发症5（7%）,改良Kugel组10例（11.6%）,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。并发症患者中身体质量指数>27 kg/m²,TEP组1例（20%）,改良Kugel组6例（60%）,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。TEP组慢性疼痛3例（4.2%）,改良Kugel组14例（16%）,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。截止至随访结束,TEP组术后复发0例,改良Kugel组术后复发1例,占约1%;2组无明显差异（P>0.05）。术后1及7 d,2组疼痛视觉模拟评分比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;术前、术后及12个月比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。术前、术后1、2、6及12个月2组生活质量量表评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论通过TEP治疗双侧腹股沟疝能有效地减少患者的手术时间、住院时间、术后疼痛。     

Quality of life after open versus laparoscopic preperitoneal mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernias

BackgroundBoth the open transinguinal preperitoneal repair (TIPP) and the laparoscopic total extraperitoneal mesh repair (TEP) show excellent outcomes. Direct comparative data between these 2 preperitoneal techniques is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative outcomes and quality of life (QoL) for these open and laparoscopic preperitoneal repair techniques.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2016, 204 male patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair through TIPP (n = 135) or TEP (n = 69). Data recorded include demographic profile, preoperative and intraoperative variables, postoperative complications and postoperative quality of life. Two validated hernia-specific QoL questionnaires, the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) and the European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score (EuraHS QoL) were used to assess postoperative QoL.ResultsThe TIPP group consisted of 135 patients, the TEP group of 69 patients. The mean age of patients was significantly higher in TIPP (64.07 ± 17.10 years) than in TEP (59.0 ± 15.53 years) (p = 0.022). A total of 96 patients (47.1%) responded to our invitation for longterm follow-up: 58 in the TIPP group (43%) and 38 in the TEP group (55.1%). There was no difference in mean follow-up time between the surgical procedure and filling in the questionnaires: 37.4 ± 12.8 months for TIPP and 33.5 ± 11.3 months for TEP group (p = 0.13). No significant differences in quality of life were found between TIPP and TEP for all explored domains.ConclusionTIPP and TEP show equivalent results considering postoperative quality of life. Compared to existing literature on mesh repair for unilateral inguinal hernias, we may conclude that the preperitoneal location of the mesh probably is a more decisive factor for quality of life than the surgical approach used.     

无张力疝修补术治疗腹股沟疝965例分析

目的观察无张力疝修补术治疗成人腹股沟疝的疗效。方法采用网塞填充法疝修补术和Lichtenstein疝修补术治疗965例次腹股沟疝,总结临床资料,评定疗效。结果965例手术时间30～60min,平均39min,术后住院3—8d,平均5d。术后随访6～24个月,复发4例,补片感染2例,无顽固性疼痛。结论无张力疝修补术复发率低、住院时间短、并发症少,是治疗腹股沟疝安全、有效的手术方法。     

Open new simplified totally extraperitoneal (ONSTEP) versus Lichtenstein repair for primary inguinal hernias

IntroductionChronic postsurgical pain (CPP) remains the main complication after Lichtenstein hernioplasty. The open new simplified totally extraperitoneal (ONSTEP) technique is a more recent transinguinal procedure that seems to be associated with less CPP. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of the ONSTEP versus the Lichtenstein procedure for primary inguinal hernia.MethodsIn this prospective, double-blinded and single-centre clinical trial, CPP at the six-month follow up assessed by a visual analogue scale was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were operative time, perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, early pain, time to return to daily activities and to work, pain-related sexual dysfunction, aesthetic satisfaction and recurrence.ResultsA total of 100 men were allocated to undergo either the Lichtenstein (n=50) or the ONSTEP (n=50) hernioplasty. The incidence of CPP was nonsignificantly lower in the ONSTEP group compared with the Lichtenstein group (28% vs 42%; p=0.142). However, the ONSTEP procedure required less operative time (42 vs 62min; p<0.001). Patients from the ONSTEP group resumed their daily activities earlier (5.94±3.9 days vs 8.56±5.14 days; p=0.009), had fewer postsurgical complications (5 vs 19; p=0.001) and expressed better satisfaction with the cosmetic result (p=0.041). No recurrence was observed after six months of follow up.ConclusionCPP was similar, but the ONSTEP technique was associated with shorter operating time, earlier return to normal daily activities, fewer postsurgical complications and better cosmetic results.     

Lifestyle and behavioural interventions for men on watchful waiting with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms: a national multidisciplinary survey

OBJECTIVE: To determine the use of lifestyle and behavioural interventions in the UK for symptom control in men with uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on watchful waiting (WW). METHOD: Semi-structured interviews with urologists, nurse practitioners and continence advisors were used to obtain a list of lifestyle and behavioural interventions used in men with LUTS. From the 18 interventions identified, a survey was constructed asking how often these interventions were used in routine practice. The survey was sent to 100 consultant urologists (British Association of Urological Surgeons), 100 nurse practitioners (British Association of Urological Nurses), and 100 continence advisors (International Continence Society) with an interest in male urology, all randomly selected. RESULTS: Of 248 (83%) responses, 236 were suitable for analysis; 193 (82%) of the respondents reported using lifestyle or behavioural interventions in men on WW with uncomplicated LUTS. The most frequently used interventions were education about the prostate and bladder, avoiding caffeine, urethral milking and reassuring men that they do not have prostate cancer. The use of lifestyle and behavioural interventions showed an 'all-or-none' pattern. Respondents used either few or many of the 18 interventions identified. There was considerable variation in the extent to which these interventions were used among the survey groups (P < 0.01); urologists used these interventions the least and continence advisors the most. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle and behavioural interventions are advised by many medical professionals to men on WW with uncomplicated LUTS. However, the use varies considerably, with some medical professionals advising many of these interventions and some a few or none at all. Further research is required to define and test the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing LUTS.     

Simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernias: a prospective, randomized study of single versus double mesh laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair

The aim of this study was to compare the double and the single mesh techniques, both used in the laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal (TEP) repair of bilateral inguinal hernia. Sixty-five patients with bilateral inguinal hernia were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial comparing the single and the double mesh techniques. The single and the double mesh techniques compared favorably in terms of operating time, long-term morbidity, hospital stay, time for return to work, postoperative quality of life and recurrence rate. However, the cost of a single, large prosthesis was 38% to 40% lower than that of 2 small ones. The laparoscopic TEP repair of bilateral inguinal hernia with a large, single prosthetic mesh is a technically simple and safe procedure, which offers clear cost savings and a potentially shorter operating time over the double mesh repair. It is strongly recommended for the routine, laparoscopic TEP repair of bilateral inguinal hernias.     

Tension-free inguinal hernia repair: a retrospective study of 3000 cases in one center

The tension-free anterior repair of inguinal hernia using a mesh, initially described by Zagdoun in 1959 and perfectly described by Lichtenstein, was used as a basis for the technique we adapted 17 years ago. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the clinical long-term results of this modified tension-free technique. Three thousand inguinal hernias were operated by the same surgeon. The Lichtenstein technique modifications were the nature and the enlarged size of the mesh (polyester-Parietex, 13 x 9 cm) and the fixation method (staples). Complications, pain, and recurrence were carefully reported on a standardized file. Immediate complications were rare and always minor: hematomas and parietal abscesses. With a mean follow-up of 8 years, 48 cases of persisting pains (2%) coming from nervous irritation were reported, and only 12 recurrences (0.5%) were detected more than 10 years after surgery. Based on follow-up of these 3000 hernias, the results of this study exhibit a very low rate of recurrence (0.5%). This technique seems to be easy, painless, safe, and effective.