Surgical Outcome in Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair: Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Approach (TEP) as Best Approach?

Abstract

Introduction: Bilateral inguinal hernia is a distinct entity in the inguinal hernia category. Open and minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia have been previously described. If resources and surgeon expertise are available, guidelines recommend laparoscopic repair for this entity. Methods: We analyzed data from 83 patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (total extraperitoneal repair -TEP) of 158 hernias (146 inguinal hernias and 12 other types). Patients had bilateral symptomatic hernias.Results: Male predominance, with a mean age of 56.7 years, was noted. Lateral hernias (according to EHS classification) were prevalent (71.08%). In the majority of cases (77.11%), meshes made up of a custom polypropylene monofilament mesh were used, followed by Bard 3D Max mesh and Ultralight mesh. Regarding postoperative complications, seroma was the most frequently encountered one in our series (7.23%), followed by urinary retention and 'feeling' of mesh (2.41%). Hydrocele, wound hematoma, cord hematoma and chronic