Pseudo-recurrence after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

Aim-Background

Pseudo-recurrence after laparoscopic hernia repair, though known, is poorly understood. Common causes of pseudo-recurrence are pneumoscrotum, haematoma, seroma, cord thickening and persistent cough impulse.

Aim

To analyze the incidence of pseudo-recurrence and its impact on morbidity after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

All laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair cases performed by a single surgical unit over a period of five years from April 2007 till March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Among 243 operated laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs (TEP and TAPP) included in the study, twenty (8.26%) cases displayed a pneumoscrotum, eighteen (7.43%) a haematoma, twenty-four (9.98%) a seroma, eight (3.29%) cord thickening, and six (2.46%) persistent cough impulse. All patients were managed conservatively with the exception of one case of seroma which had to be aspirated.

Conclusion

Pseudo-recurrence following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, though common, has no significant impact on morbidity. Recognition of the problem is important to continue conservative management and avoid intervention.