Obesity is closely associated with a lower risk of inguinal hernia, but the association between different obesity metrics and the risk of inguinal hernia is still unclear.

In our study, we categorized obesity measurement indicators into three groups based on the difficulty of measurement: (1) indicators easily available, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); (2) indicators accessible with moderate difficulty, such as body fat percentage and body fat mass; (3) indicators difficultly accessible, such as the volume of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to investigate the causal relationship between various adiposity measures and the risk of inguinal hernia in both European ancestry and East Asians.

We identified a total of 17,096 patients with inguinal hernia in the FinnGen cohort and 1664 cases in the Japan Biobank cohort. For European ancestry, MR analysis reported a significant causal association between one standard deviation increase of BMI, WC, HC, body fat percentage, and body fat mass and the lower risk of inguinal hernia, rather than WHR, VAT, and SAT. After the adjustment of BMI, increased WC is still causally associated with a lower risk of inguinal hernia (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33-0.80; P < 0.01). Among East Asians, only body fat mass is causally associated with a reduced risk of inguinal hernia, rather than BMI, WC, and HC.

Obesity is causally associated with a relatively lower risk of inguinal hernia. The association between different obesity measures and the risk of inguinal hernia has ethnic specificity. These findings help us deepen our understanding of the intrinsic causal relationship between fat distribution and the risk of inguinal hernias at the genetic level.

Inguinal hernias are common after surgery. Tension-free repair is widely accepted as the main method for managing inguinal hernias. Adequate exposure, coverage, and repair of the myopectineal orifice (MPO) are necessary. However, due to differences in race and sex, people's body shapes vary. According to European guidelines, the patch should measure 10 cm × 15 cm. If any part of the MPO is dissected, injury to the nerves, vascular network, or organs may occur during surgery, thereby leading to inguinal discomfort, pain, and seroma formation after surgery. Therefore, accurate localization and measurement of the boundary of the MPO are crucial for selecting the optimal patch for inguinal hernia repair.

To compare the size of the MPO measured on three-dimensional multislice spiral computed tomography (CT) with that measured via laparoscopy and explore the relevant factors influencing the size of the MPO.

Clinical data from 74 patients who underwent laparoscopic tension-free inguinal hernia repair at the General Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology between September 2022 and July 2024 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Transabdominal preperitoneal was performed. Sixty-four males and 10 females, with an average age of 58.30 ± 12.32 years, were included. The clinical data of the patients were collected. The boundary of the MPO was measured on three-dimensional CT images before surgery and then again during transabdominal preperitoneal. All the preoperative and intraoperative data were analyzed via paired t-tests. A t-test was used for comparisons of age, body mass index, and sex between the groups. In the comparative analysis, a P value less than 0.05 indicated a significant difference.

The boundaries of the MPO on 3-dimensional CT images measured 7.05 ± 0.47 cm and 6.27 ± 0.61 cm, and the area of the MPO was 19.54 ± 3.33 cm2. The boundaries of the MPO during surgery were 7.18 ± 0.51 cm and 6.17 ± 0.40 cm. The errors were not statistically significant. However, the intraoperative BD (the width of the MPO, P = 0.024, P < 0.05) and preoperative AC (the length of the MPO, P = 0.045, P < 0.05) significantly differed according to sex. The AC and BD measurements before and during surgery were not significantly different according to age, body mass index, hernia side or hernia type (P > 0.05).

The application of this technology can aid in determining the most appropriate dissection range and patch size.

Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia surgery is a commonly performed but technically challenging procedure with a long learning curve. As TEP can be executed using two different trocar placements: a midline or a triangular configuration, the question remains which one is technically easier to master.

In a multicenter crossover-study, medical students were randomised into two groups and executed tasks on a box trainer that measured time, volume and force parameters. Additionally, the study assessed whether the SATA instrument, a steerable laparoscopic instrument that articulates the instrument's tip, would reduce the difficulty of performing the tasks in the midline configuration. After training, all participants executed a first experiment using both trocar configurations, followed by a second experiment executed with steerable and non-steerable instruments in the midline configuration. Subjective and objective performances per condition and learning curves were assessed.

Participants were faster and showed lower peak forces in the triangulated configuration. Learning curve analysis showed a positive improvement in time and path length in the midline configuration. Although participants rated ergonomics and intuitiveness similarly between the instruments, they found the task easier with the SATA instruments, ranking the added value of the steering function as 5 out of 5. Objectively, time and path length showed no significant differences while exerted forces were lower when using conventional instruments.

Although the midline configuration is preferred in terms of comfort and posture, the findings indicate that, for inexperienced practitioners, performing TEP surgery in midline configuration is both subjectively and objectively more challenging, highlighting the need for extensive training to overcome its difficulties and possibly shorten its learning curve. Although instruments with additional steering functions were preferred over conventional instruments in the more challenging midline configuration, additional steering complexity did not result in better parameter outcomes, showing the need for more extensive training.

Primary ventral hernia (PVH) is a main differential diagnosis of abdominal wall masses and typically occurs at areas of structural weakness, such as the linea alba. This report draws attention to atypical PVHs of the peri-inguinal region, an underdiagnosed subgroup of defects located adjacent to the inguinal canal and below the semilunar line. The absence of a standardized definition or classification complicates the diagnosis of this infrequent pathology. We present a case of a patient with a tender abdominal wall mass, initially interpreted as superinfected hematoma. Despite drainage, the patient's physical condition continued to deteriorate. Repeat imaging eventually revealed acute appendicitis inside a peri-inguinal hernia. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, and the abscess cavity was incised, debrided and left open, which led to successful secondary closure of the wound. This case highlights the need for greater awareness of atypical hernias and their potential complications to enable timely detection and adequate treatment.

Twenty to 30% of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery (20 million patients per year worldwide) present early postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to assess the interest of a mesh (CycloMesh™, Cousin Biotech) soaked with ropivacaine for managing early postoperative pain.

This was a randomized, phase III, comparative superiority, double-blind, international multicenter study. From October 2019 to February 2022, 290 patients underwent surgery for uncomplicated inguinal hernia, under general anesthesia, using the Liechtenstein technique. Each patient was randomly assigned to either the experimental group (mesh soaked in ropivacaine hydrochloride 10mg/mL) or the control group (mesh soaked in physiological saline solution). The primary endpoint was the pain at cough assessment with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at H6 after the surgery. The secondary endpoints were the global pain assessment at H2, H4, H6, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 7, 1month, 1year, and 2years after the surgery, assessment of antalgic consumption, description of the surgical procedure and postoperative complications rate, hospitalization and post-hospital discharge data (number of conversions from outpatient to inpatient care), and recurrence.

Of the 290 patients included in the study, 150 and 140 patients were in the experimental or control group respectively. The per-protocol (PP) population (240 patients) comprised 125 patients in the ropivacaine group and 115 in the control group. The mesh soaking solution had no significant effect on the pain at cough at H6, either in the intention-to-treat population (3.3 vs 3.2, P=0.12) or in the PP population (3.3 vs 3.7, P=0.15). The ropivacaine-soaked prosthesis resulted in a reduction in overall pain at H2 (2.3 vs 3.2, P<0.0001), H4 (2.3 vs 3.1, P<0.0001) and H6 (2.3 vs 2.7, P=0.0039). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of antalgic consumption, postoperative complications, or the number of ambulatory conversions.

The placement of CycloMesh™ soaked with ropivacaine did not reduce the pain at cough at H6 but did reduce overall pain in the first 6hours after surgery and could simplify patient management.

Inguinal hernias are a common surgical condition that, if untreated, can lead to severe complications. Bilateral inguinal hernias add challenges due to increased recurrence and postoperative risks. Although Lichtenstein repair, a mesh-based approach, is the gold standard for its low recurrence, Darn repair - a mesh-free technique - offers a cost-effective alternative in low-resource settings. This study assesses the applicability and effectiveness of both techniques for bilateral inguinal hernias in a resource-limited environment.

With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from Al-Waleedeen Specialized Hospital (IRB number WAD.12.01.2021), a retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 75 adult males who underwent bilateral inguinal hernia repair from January 2021 to October 2023 in Sudan. Patients were divided into Group A (Lichtenstein, n = 30) and Group B (Darn, n = 45). Data on operative time, complications, hospital stay, return to normal activities, patient satisfaction, and economic impact were collected, with a three-month follow-up.

Darn repair showed fewer postoperative complications, particularly lower surgical site infections (SSI) (8% vs. 20%, P = 0.014). It also had shorter operative times (mean 30 minutes less), reduced hospital stays (1.5 vs. 2.8 days, P < 0.0001), and lower costs. Recurrence rates were comparable across both groups.

While both methods yielded similar recurrence rates, Darn repair showed advantages in resource-limited settings, with fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs, making it a practical option when mesh is not readily available. Limitations include retrospective design, convenience sampling, and possible recall bias from phone follow-ups. The three-month follow-up may not capture long-term outcomes like chronic pain or late recurrences. Future studies should extend follow-ups and conduct prospective trials to optimize Darn repair across diverse settings.

To optimize the efficacy of analgesia for patients receiving laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, peri-operative pain neuroscience education (PNE) as a pain-specific cognitive therapy was incorporated into multi-modal analgesia. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare conventional analgesia (group CA) and the addition of pain neuroscience education into it (group PNE) in patients receiving laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Characteristics of peri-operative pain was evaluated with Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN-4), central sensitization inventory (CSI), pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) post-operatively and pressure pain threshold. Post-operative quality of recovery was measured with EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). The incidence of chronic post-operative pain was also recorded. A total of 184 patients consented to participate in this study and finished follow-up. Compared with those receiving conventional analgesia (group CA, N = 91), patients in group PNE (N = 93) reported reduced incidence of moderate-to-severe pain and less dosages of opioid during hospitalization (p < 0.05). Catastrophing, sensitization related to pain were reduced in group PNE (p < 0.05). Quality of recovery was improved till 1 month after surgery (p < 0.05). The addition of pain neuroscience education improved analgesic effect and quality of recovery for patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. It also helped reduce sensitization and catastrophic of acute surgical pain. This psychologically-oriented analgesic approach merits future research and application for these patients.

Prematurity is linked to diverse and significant health outcomes, but a comprehensive understanding of its long-term multisystem impacts remains limited.

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study on 417 preterm children born between 2000 and 2015 explores the incidence, dynamics, and interrelationships of health conditions from infancy to adolescence. Data on 1818 diagnoses, categorised by birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) and documented according to ICD-10, were analysed using non-parametric tests and negative binomial regression models.

Most diagnoses occurred by age 7, with eye diseases, congenital malformations, and infections most prevalent, but the greatest disparities with the general population were in blood, nervous system, mental, and neoplastic diseases. Lower BW significantly correlated with higher mean disease counts and greater diversity of health conditions across various ICD-10 chapters, while GA showed less pronounced associations. Children in "Extremely and very low," "Low," and "Sub-optimal" BW categories exhibited 1.77, 1.50, and 1.34 times more diseases, respectively, than those in the "Normal" BW category. Unique and highly individual patterns of disease co-occurrence were observed, increasing in complexity as BW decreased.

The highest disease burden for preterm-born individuals occurred by age 7, with lower BW linked to greater health complexity and unique comorbidities.

Open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) can be conducted under either general anesthesia (GA) or local anesthesia (LA). Despite a lack of evidence supporting improved perioperative outcomes, GA is the predominant anesthesia type used in OIHR. Frailty is defined as a clinically recognizable state of age-related increased vulnerability. This study aimed to compare the 30-day perioperative outcomes of frail patients undergoing OIHR with either GA or LA.

Patients who underwent initial OIHR were identified in the ACS-NSQIP database from 2005-2021. Patients with a Modified Frailty Index (mFI)≥2 were included. Patients were divided based on GA or LA administered. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare 30-day perioperative outcomes between frail patients undergoing OIHR under GA or LA.

Among 20,129 frail patients who underwent initial OIHR, 13,473 had GA, and 3686 had LA. The 30-day mortality rates for LA and GA were low. However, frail patients who underwent LA had a lower risk of bleeding (aOR 0.282, P=0.04), superficial surgical site infection (aOR 0.450, P=0.03), and discharge not to home (aOR 0.792, P<0.01). In addition, frail patients who underwent LA had shorter operation time (58.42±25.26 vs 67.60±37.17 mins, P<0.01) and a shorter length of stay (0.45±2.30 vs 0.57±2.96 days, P<0.01).

Although GA is the dominant anesthesia use (4:1) in OIHR among frail patients, LA emerges as a safe alternative to GA for these patients, offering potential benefits such as reduced complications and increased day-case surgery volume, which may be associated with decreased healthcare costs.

Surgery for groin hernia is one of the most common operations in the world. Therefore, research concerning the outcomes of groin hernia surgery is extremely important both for the individual patient as well as for those providing the healthcare funding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hernia surgery in Sweden over a 30 year time period, from 1992 to 2021.

All groin hernia repairs in the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 to 2021 were analyzed with emphasis on the surgical method, reoperation rate for recurrence and date of surgery, specifically 1992-2001, 2002-2011 and 2012-2021. By using personal identification numbers, a cumulative reoperation rate has been deduced for males and females separately.

A total of 368,502 groin hernia operations identified in the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 to 2021 were eligible for analysis. Since the register was begun, there have been significant changes in the choice of operative techniques, from suture repair in 1992 to open anterior mesh repair around the year 2000, until today, where an increasing proportion of hernias are repaired using laparo-endoscopic techniques. There has been a reduction in the reoperation rate for recurrence in both males and females, with the most pronounced improvement being seen in females. The laparo-endoscopic technique is associated with a reduced incidence of reoperation for recurrence in females.

Groin hernia surgery in Sweden has undergone substantial changes over the past 30 years. Reoperation for recurrence has decreased significantly during recent years, especially in females.

Patients with an inguinal hernia usually report an inguinal bulge and pain. Inguinal canal fat can cause lower abdominal pain, swelling, and an inguinal hernia. Round ligament lipomas (RLLs) and inguinal cord lipomas (CLs) comprise invagination of extraperitoneal fat in the inguinal canal through the deep inguinal ring, with or without a hernia sac. During open surgery, The Inguinal canal fat mass (ICFM) previously labeled CL or RLL is usually excised and considered a CL, RLL, or inguinal canal lipoma. A lipoma is a benign tumor; therefore, it is not optimal to label inguinal fat as a lipoma. Moreover, lipoma incidence is 1 in 1,000; however, CL incidence is as high as 72.1%. During laparoscopy, it is difficult to observe the inguinal canal. CLs and RLLs can be missed during transabdominal preperitoneal and total extraperitoneal repair. We evaluated the importance of the anatomical identification and management of ICFM, previously labeled CL or RLL in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

All patients (n = 102; 93 male and 9 female patients) with an inguinal hernia who underwent laparoscopic examination and management of the ICFM, previously labeled CL or RLL between May 2016 and May 2022 were included. All fatty mass of the inguinal were excised preserving the fat around the spermatic cord or round ligament.

More inguinal fat was observed in female patients. After surgery, the patients' symptoms improved dramatically.

Laparoscopic retromuscular repair and exploration of the inguinal canal and excision of ICFM, previously labeled CL or RLL are less likely to result in missed inguinal hernias and more likely to result in good outcomes and fewer postoperative complications.

The impact of non-fixation of mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair has not been fully assessed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively compare the clinical outcomes of non-fixation and fixation of mesh in TAPP to determine whether non-fixation could affect the outcomes.

PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched for studies on TAPP repair of inguinal hernia and mesh fixation published up to June 2023. The literature search was completed on June 22, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that compared perioperative outcomes between mesh fixation and non-fixation without using self-gripping mesh were included. The primary outcome measures were recurrence and evaluation of postoperative pain, while secondary outcome measures included time to normal activity, infection rate and formation of seroma. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were also conducted.

Six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 679 patients who underwent TAPP with non-fixation and 964 patients with fixation of mesh. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the two groups (RR: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.29-2.39, P = 0.73). The non-fixation group had less pain than the fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (MD: -0.16; 95% CI, -0.23--0.10, P < 0.0001). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the time to return to normal activity or rates of infection or seroma formation between the two groups (MD: -4.95; 95% CI, -11.36-1.45, P = 0.13; RR: 1.18; 95% CI, 0.39-3.62, P = 0.77; RR: 0.94; 95% CI, 0.63-1.40, P = 0.75).

Based on the current evidence, non-fixation without using self-gripping mesh may not affect the efficacy of TAPP. It does not increase recurrence rate and may result in less postoperative pain in inguinal hernia with small hernia defect (less than 3cm).

Aims This study aims to analyse the type of repair and post-op outcomes for individuals who underwent surgical intervention and presented with symptomatic abdominal wall hernia as an emergency. It highlights the importance of timely elective hernia management in lowering emergency presentations and any related complications. Background Abdominal wall hernias are common surgical conditions that can present electively or as emergencies, with emergency cases being associated with higher complication rates. In recent years, there has been an increase in emergency hernia presentations, leading to a greater number of urgent surgeries. These emergency operations have been linked to higher rates of post-op complications and re-interventions due to factors like bowel obstruction, strangulation, and delayed intervention. Therefore, research and analysis of post-op outcomes are essential to highlight the potential role of elective hernia management in reducing the burden of emergency cases. Methods This study was a single-institution retrospective study that looked at patient data over a 10-year period and involved patients who presented with abdominal wall hernias on an emergency basis and underwent surgical repair. Data were collected on patient demographics, presenting symptoms, hernia type, surgical technique, use of mesh reinforcement, post-op complications, re-intervention rates, and length of hospital stay. The database was developed and analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and the results were considered significant at p<0.005. Results Over a 10-year period, 239 patients presented with emergency abdominal wall hernias, with 238 undergoing surgical repair; one patient died before surgery. Most repairs were performed using an open approach (93%, n=221), while 7% (n=17) were laparoscopic. Primary repair was conducted in 47% of cases (n=111), and mesh reinforcement was used in 53% (n=127). The overall recurrence rate was low (2%, n=4), with higher recurrence observed only in primary repairs. Mesh repairs had a higher incidence of post-op complications (56%, n=37) compared to primary repairs (44%, n=29). Patients who underwent mesh repair had an average hospital stay of eight days compared to those with primary repair (nine days). Inguinal, umbilical, and femoral hernias were the most common types observed, accounting for over 76% of cases. In total, 6% of patients (n=15) required bowel resections, highlighting the complexity of these cases. Most patients (72%, n=172) experienced no complications, but some of the most common post-op complications were wound dehiscence (7%, n=17), post-op collection (7%, n=16), delayed recovery (3%, n=8), and recurrence (2%, n=4). Conclusion It has been observed that a greater number of post-op complications and longer hospital stays are linked to emergency hernia procedures, especially when mesh repair is utilised. Although the recurrence rate of mesh repairs is lower than that of primary repair, the increased risk of complications highlights the significance of cautious surgical planning and patient selection. In conclusion, this study highlights the benefits of elective hernia management in reducing emergency presentations and the unfavourable consequences that may arise from it. These results support the importance of pre-op optimisation, especially for high-risk patients, and add to the debate on the best surgical techniques.

Minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair has become increasingly accepted, demonstrating superior outcomes over open procedures in postoperative complications. However, certain postoperative complications, such as seroma, remain a dilemma, with many attributing it to the management of the hernia sac. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the reduction versus abandonment of the hernia sac during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Cochrane, Scopus, SciELO, and PubMed were searched for studies comparing reduction and abandonment of the hernia sac. Our primary outcome was seroma. Secondary outcomes were overall complications, postoperative pain, surgical site infection, recurrence, hospital length of stay (LOS), and operative time. We performed a subgroup analysis of transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) techniques. Statistical analysis was performed with R Studio.

2388 studies were screened, and seven studies were included, comprising 3153 patients, of which 916 (29%) were in the abandonment group. We found higher seroma rates for the abandonment group (RR 1.52; 95% CI 1.22 to 1.89; P < 0.001). No differences were found in overall complications (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.42; P = 0.61), postoperative pain (RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.46 to 2.87; P = 0.76), recurrence (RR 2.67; 95% CI 0.51 to 14.05; P = 0.25), operative time (MD - 4.45 min; 95% CI - 12.77 to 3.86; P = 0.29), and LOS (MD -0.06 days; 95% CI - 0.14 to 0.02; P = 0.14) between both groups. Subgroup analysis of seroma showed no differences between the groups when analyzing TAPP (19.3% vs. 13%; RR 1.65; 95% CI 0.91 to 2.99; P = 0.1) and TEP (9% vs. 4.3%; RR 1.69; 95% CI 0.62 to 4.6; P = 0.3) procedures.

Our systematic review and meta-analysis support that hernia sac abandonment may be associated with increased early seroma rates following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, but limited data are available for technique-specific analyses.

This study aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate machine learning (ML) algorithms for predicting Surgical site infections (SSI) and surgical site occurrences (SSO) after elective open inguinal hernia surgery.

A cohort of 491 patients who underwent elective open inguinal hernia surgery at Fudan University Affiliated Huadong Hospital between December 2019 and December 2020 was enrolled. To create a strong prediction model, we employed five ML methods: generalized linear model, random forest (RF), support vector machines, neural network, and gradient boosting machine. Based on the best performing model, we devised online calculators to facilitate clinicians' access to a linear predictor for patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve was utilized to evaluate the model's discriminatory capability and predictive accuracy.

The incidence rates of SSI and SSO were 4.68% and 13.44%, respectively. Four variables (diabetes, recurrence, antibiotic prophylaxis, and duration of surgery) were identified for SSI prediction, while four variables (diabetes, size of hernias, albumin levels, and antibiotic prophylaxis) were included for SSO prediction. In the test set, the RF model showed the best predictive ability (SSI: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.849, sensitivity = 0.769, specificity = 0.769, and accuracy = 0.769; SSO: AUC = 0.740, sensitivity = 0.513, specificity = 0.821, and accuracy = 0.667). Online calculators have been developed to assess patients' risk of SSI ( https://wuqian17.shinyapps.io/predictionSSI/ ) and SSO ( https://wuqian17.shinyapps.io/predictionSSO/ ) after surgery.

This study developed a prediction model for SSI/SSO using ML methods. It holds the potential to facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment options following elective open inguinal hernia surgery.

Outpatient surgery in the treatment of hernia is currently a major challenge for patients and treating physicians in Germany due to the new legal regulations (key term hybrid diagnosis-related groups, DRG). Despite large economic challenges and empty funds, the principle of medical treatment is still the patient-oriented scientifically founded medicine. Although outpatient treatment would be very desirable, clear medical knowledge should the basis for the justification of surgical strategies: outpatient short hospitalization (24h) or fully inpatient hospitalization (>24h). A completely outpatient treatment of hernias is not meaningful and the demarcation of outpatient, short inpatient and inpatient treatment should be demonstrated in a risk-adjusted manner. A classification is essential, particularly against the background of an intersectoral hybrid DRG.

In laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, it is thought that the mesh can be displaced more in the enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique. The aim of this study was to compare eTEP and totally extraperitoneal (TEP) techniques without mesh fixation in terms of mesh displacement and hernia recurrence.

Between December 2022 and April 2023, 60 consecutive patients with unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized into two groups; eTEP group (n = 30) and TEP group (n = 30). There was without mesh fixation in both groups. Study was registered at http://Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06070142). The mesh was marked with three radiopaque clips. Pelvic radiographs were performed to evaluate the displacement of the mesh. The primary outcome of this study was mesh displacement. In addition, this is the first study in the literature to compare eTEP and TEP techniques in terms of mesh displacement without fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia.

There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mesh displacement, recurrence, postoperative VAS scores, length of hospital stay, hematoma, and seroma formation. The operation time was higher in the eTEP group and was statistically significant.

Without mesh fixation, the eTEP technique does not increase the risk of mesh displacement and recurrence. The eTEP technique can be safely applied without mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs.

ClinicalTrials number: NCT06070142.

Given the 4-times higher prevalence of femoral hernias among females compared to males, this diagnosis may be missed during inguinal hernia repair (IHR), causing risk of reoperation for pseudo recurrence of femoral hernias (FH). Minimally invasive approaches are suggested as potential reducers of missed FH since they provide a posterior view of all defect areas, despite studies suggesting that women receive less MIS than men. We aim to assess the missed FH during IHR and after reoperation for recurrence following IHR in women.

PubMED, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched for studies assessing patients undergoing recurrent IHR, analyzing the incidence of reoperation for FH and occult femoral hernias during IHR. Statistical analysis was performed using R software.

From 6,226 records, 10 retrospective observational studies were included, totaling 15,863 patients (20% females). We found that 19.56 per 100 women (95% CI 8.34, 39.37) who are reoperated for an inguinal hernia are found as having a FH during the new repair. Compared to men, women were at a significantly higher risk to be reoperated for FH after IHR (RR 8.97; 95% CI 7.35, 10.93; P < 0.001). Our analysis also showed that 20.7% of females received MIS approaches for groin hernia repair, while 79.3% received open procedures. Furthermore, our study found a pooled incidence of occult FH during the initial IHR of 6.85 per 100 patients for both genders (95% CI 2.78, 15.90), which increased to 21.42 per 100 patients when assessing females only (95% CI 15.46, 28.89).

Females have a higher incidence of FH following reoperation for recurrence of inguinal hernia repair. Added to the high rate of occult FH encountered during inguinal procedures, this suggests a missed diagnosis of FH during IHR. The adoption of MIS IHR for women is fundamental to reduce the underdiagnosis of FH.

Hernia repair is a common procedure performed by general surgeons. Introduced in 1990s, the use of laparoscopic hernia repair has recently increased and, consequently, rare complications previously unknown have been reported.

A 43-years-old male patient who underwent a transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) procedure for symptomatic bilateral inguinal hernia. On the sixth postoperative day, the patient was admitted for small bowel obstruction (SBO) and underwent reoperation; the central portion of the peritoneal suture in the left inguinal region was lacerated and a hole in the peritoneum had performed a hernia orifice, causing small bowel occlusion by preperitoneal herniation. After the hernia was released, the peritoneum was closed again and the surgery was completed.

SBO after TAPP procedure is a rare complication and should be considered in patients with abdominal pain and vomiting after TAPP procedure.

This complication can be prevented with appropriate peritoneal closure techniques and treated with early laparoscopic surgery.

Inguinal hernia repair, particularly the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique, is common worldwide. Obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) can influence surgical outcomes, potentially resulting in longer operative time, higher complication rate, and prolonged hospital stay.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on surgical outcomes following laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair.

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients who underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair between September 2021 and December 2023. We included patients aged 18 years or older who had elective unilateral TAPP repair for primary inguinal hernia. The patients were categorized based their BMI as obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI <⁠30 kg/m2). Outcomes assessed included recurrence rate, surgical site infections (SSIs), operative time, and length of hospital stay.

We analyzed 201 patients of whom 30 (14.8%) were obese and 171 (85.2%) were nonobese. Recurrence rates were 6.67% in the obese and 2.35% in the nonobese patients (P = 0.222). No SSIs were observed in the obese patients, as compared with 1.76% in the nonobese individuals (P = 1). Mean (SD) operative time was 78.87 (31.88) minutes for the obese and 70.28 (27.25) minutes for the nonobese patients (P = 0.203). Mean (SD) hospital stay was 3.13 (0.35) days for the patients with and 3.05 (0.28) days for those without obesity (P = 0.086).

There were no significant differences in recurrence rates, SSIs, operative time, or hospital stay between the obese and nonobese patients. Appropriate surgical expertise and perioperative management can result in comparable outcomes for both groups. Further research is recommended to understand the impact of obesity on hernia recurrence.

Hernia repair is a common procedure, especially among the elderly. In the face of rising life expectancy, adequate hernia management in older adults is crucial. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) for hernia repair is minimally invasive, but poses challenges in the elderly due to a larger number of comorbidities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAPP hernia repair in patients aged 70 years and older.

Our retrospective study reviewed data of patients who underwent elective unilateral TAPP repair for primary inguinal hernia between September 2021 and December 2023. The patients were divided by age: 70 and older (cases) and younger than 70 (controls). Primary outcomes included recurrence rate, surgical site infections (SSIs), operative time, and hospital stay. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests.

The study included 201 patients (47 cases and 154 controls). The mean (SD) age was 75.74 (4.73) years for the cases and 53.47 (12.8) years for the controls. No recurrences were found in the elderly (cases) group, while the control group recorded a 3.92% recurrence rate (P = 0.34). SSIs affected 2.13% of the cases and 1.31% of the controls (P = 0.55). Operative times were similar (71.44 vs 71.96 min; P = 0.8). Hospital stay was 3.11 days for the cases and 3.04 days for the controls (P = 0.14).

Laparoscopic TAPP hernia repair is a safe and effective procedure in the elderly and its outcomes are comparable to those recorded in younger patients. Further studies are needed to validate these results.

Hernia recurrence is a common complication after inguinal hernia repair. Recent studies suggest that laparoscopic mesh repair with closure of direct hernia defects can reduce recurrence rates. Our study examines the effectiveness of this approach. A retrospective, multi-center cohort study was conducted on cases performed from January 2013 to April 2021. Patients with direct inguinal hernias (M3 according to EHS classification) undergoing TAPP were included. Three groups were present: closed-defect group, non-closed placing a standard-sized mesh group or non-closed placing an XL-sized mesh group. A 2-year follow-up was recorded. A total of 158 direct M3 inguinal hernias in 110 patients who underwent surgery were present. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 22 patients for each group were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 62 years (41-84); with the majority being male (84.8%). 22 patients (40 hernias) underwent closure of the defect; 22 patients (39 hernias) did not undergo closure and used a standard-sized mesh; 22 patients (27 hernias) did not undergo closure and used an XL-sized mesh. There were 5 recurrences at 1 year post-operatively: all in the non-closure group with standard-sized mesh. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.044). There were 7 recurrences (6.6%) at 2 years post-operatively: 6 in the non-closure group with standard-sized mesh and 1 in the non-closure group with XL-sized mesh (p = 0.007). Closing large direct inguinal hernia defects has shown promise in reducing early recurrence rates. However, conducting larger RCTs in the future could provide more conclusive evidence that might impact the way we approach laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Femoral hernia accounts for 22% of groin hernia operations in women and for 1.1% in men. Numerous surgical approaches have been reported but there is no consensus. Many of the recurrence rates are reported in old literature, while recent reports are scarce. The aim of the present study was to review rates of recurrences in patients who underwent open repair of a primary femoral hernia.

We conducted a systematic search in the electronic literature, using the search terms "femoral hernia" and "recurrence". We included studies published from 2002 that had as primary or secondary endpoint to evaluate the recurrence after surgery. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCT and by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies.

Fifteen eligible articles were included in our systematic review. A total of 1087 procedures were performed according to the defined criteria. The metanalytic evaluation highlighted a higher probability of recurrence for non-mesh than mesh repairs (6.5% vs 1.9%; RR 0.924, 95% CI: 0.857 - 0.996). In patients treated in emergency settings the rate of recurrences was 3.7%; in patients who received elective repairs it was 0.71%. Six studies reported that most of recurrences occurred within the first post-operative year.

We found that crude recurrence rate after open repair of a primary femoral hernia is about 4%. This rate is higher in case of non-mesh techniques and in emergency surgery. Our results support the recommendation that femoral hernias should be repaired with mesh techniques.

The literature indicates that patients with prior pelvic surgery, particularly radical prostatectomy, pose challenges in minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair (IHR). However, there is no conclusive evidence regarding the impact of pelvic surgery on postoperative complications. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of previous prostatectomy in men undergoing MIS IHR.

We searched Cochrane Central, Scopus, SciELO, Lilacs, and PubMed/MEDLINE for studies comparing men undergoing MIS IHR after prostatectomy with men without previous pelvic surgery. Key outcomes evaluated included recurrence, overall postoperative complications, seroma, hematoma, surgical site infection (SSI), conversion rates, and operative time.

Out of 402 screened studies, 9 met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, three analyzed totally extraperitoneal (TEP) technique, while four analyzed transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and two presented both techniques together. The analysis comprised 189,183 patients, of which 4551 (2.4%) had a history of prostatectomy. The analysis revealed that post-prostatectomy patients presented higher postoperative complications (3.7% vs. 1.9%; RR 1.9; 95% CI [1.23; 2.94]; P = 0.004) and seroma (1.6% vs. 0.9%; RR 1.58; 95% CI [1.23; 2.04]; P < 0.001) following MIS IHR. Additionally, patients with a previous prostatectomy presented an increased operative time (MD 21.25 min; 95% CI [19.1; 23.4]; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in recurrence (0.98% vs. 0.92%; RR 1.1; 95% CI [0.8; 1.53]; P = 0.54), SSI (0.07% VS. 0.07%; RR 0.99; 95% CI [0.34; 2.9]; P = 0.98), hematoma (3.6% vs. 1.2%; RR 3.18; 95% CI [0.84; 12.1]; P = 0.09), and conversion rates (1.1% vs. 0.9%; RR 1.26; 95% CI [0.91; 1.72]; P = 0.16). However, subgroup analysis of TEP technique in patients with previous prostatectomy showed higher conversion rates (2.4% vs. 0%; RR 20; 95% CI [2.9; 138.2]; P < 0.01). Analysis using funnel plots showed the absence of publication bias in the study outcomes.

This comprehensive analysis indicates that patients with a history of prostatectomy undergoing MIS IHR may present higher postoperative complications and an increased operative time. Further comparative studies are needed to evaluate the cumulative impact of MIS IHR in patients with previous prostatectomy.

Occult hernias, which are not detectable through clinical examination but can be identified during surgery, are typically asymptomatic. Bilateral inguinal hernias occur frequently, and in some cases, unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernias are observed in conjunction with paraumbilical hernias. However, it is rare to repair more than three hernias, including rare types, in a single procedure. Here, we describe a case of a 59-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic mesh repair for a right inguinal hernia, a left Spigelian hernia, an umbilical hernia, and an obturator hernia that was hidden and identified during surgical exploration. The report highlights the feasibility of repairing multiple abdominal hernias in a single setting, demonstrating the benefits of reducing the need for multiple operations, lowering costs, and decreasing the duration of hospital stays.

To investigate the differences in the visibility and size of abdominal wall hernias in computed tomography (CT) with and without Valsalva maneuver.

This single-center retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent abdominal CTs with Valsalva maneuver between January 2018 and January 2022. Inclusion criteria was availability of an additional non-Valsalva CT within 6 months. A combined reference standard including clinical and surgical findings was used. Two independent, blinded radiologists measured the hernia sac size and rated hernia visibility on CTs with and without Valsalva. Differences were tested with a Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar's test.

The final population included 95 patients (16 women; mean age 46 ± 11.6 years) with 205 hernias. Median hernia sac size on Valsalva CT was 31 mm compared with 24 mm on non-Valsalva CT (p < 0.001). In 73 and 82% of cases, the hernias were better visible on CT with Valsalva as compared to that without. 14 and 17% of hernias were only visible on the Valsalva CT. Hernia visibility on non-Valsalva CT varied according to subtype, with only 0 and 3% of umbilical hernias not being visible compared with 43% of femoral hernias.

Abdominal wall hernias are larger and better visible on Valsalva CT compared with non-Valsalva CT in a significant proportion of patients and some hernias are only visible on the Valsalva CT. Therefore, this method should be preferred for the evaluation of abdominal wall hernias.

Practical simulation training with proper haptic feedback and the fragility of the human body is required to overcome the long learning curve associated with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR). However, few hernia models accurately reflect the texture and fragility of the human body. Therefore, in this study, we developed a novel model for transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) LIHR training and evaluated its validity.

We developed a high-quality mock peritoneum with a hydrated polyvinyl alcohol layer and a unique two-way crossing cellulose fiber layer. To complete the simulation, the peritoneum was adhered to a urethane foam inguinal base with surgical landmarks. Participants could perform all the procedures required for the TAPP LIHR. Twenty-four surgeons performed TAPP LIHR simulation using a novel simulator. Their opinions were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Additionally, 6 surgical residents and 10 surgical experts performed the procedure. Their performance was evaluated using the TAPP checklist score and procedure time.

Most participants strongly agreed that the TAPP LIHR simulator with an exchangeable peritoneum model was useful. The participants agreed on the model fidelity for tactile sensation, forceps handling, and humanlike anatomy. In comparisons between surgical residents and experts, the experts had significantly higher scores (10.6 vs. 17.2, p < 0.05) and shorter procedure times (92.3 vs. 55.9 min; p < .05) than did surgical residents.

We developed a high-quality exchangeable peritoneal model that mimics the human peritoneum's texture and fragility. This model enhances laparoscopic simulation training, potentially shortening TAPP LIHR learning curves.

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is often a diagnostic challenge for sport physicians. Despite this diagnostic difficulty, the incidence of GPS in athletes is relatively high, afflicting 10-20% of the total sports population. In the literature, a certain number of studies demonstrate an important gender-based difference in the incidence of GPS in both sexes, with a ratio of female:male athletes clearly in favor of the female gender being relatively less prone to GPS. Indeed, some anatomical differences between the two sexes seem to represent a protective factor against the onset of GPS in women, although the current literature still needs to clarify the validity of these findings. It is the aim of this systematic review to examine all the anatomical differences between men and women that may be responsible for the difference in the onset of GPS in the two sexes.

Laparoscopic groin hernia repair has evolved and gained popularity and laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) procedure provides an opportunity to evaluate the peritoneal cavity and both inguinal areas without the need for additional dissection. There is still a paucity of evidence to support TAPP repair in the emergency setting. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and safety of TAPP repair for incarcerated and strangulated groin hernias.

PRISMA guidelines were followed for literature search and established inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Data were extracted and analyzed for the outcomes of interest.

Overall, 8 studies were included in the review, comprising 316 patients. Patients characteristics and outcomes were limitedly reported. Only 3 cases of conversion to open approach were reported and 2 recurrences were diagnosed. Postoperative complications are inconsistently reported but mostly refer to minor complications. There were no mortality cases. Visceral resections were performed in 25 cases due to ischemia, mostly extracorporeally.

Laparoscopy is a game changer and TAPP approach is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for the emergent repair of groin hernias. Further studies and prospective randomized data are needed to establish its role in the emergent groin hernia management.

Groin hernia is one of the most commonly managed surgical diseases around the world. The typical question asked by patients is "Does my hernia require urgent surgery?". The currently available classifications are insufficient to stratify patients into different groups. We propose a new classification that incorporates diverse clinical elements together with anatomical and other vital information, which allows us to stratify patients into different groups.

A task force was formed by the Hong Kong Hernia Society, working with international expert hernia surgeons. The framework of the classification system was formulated. Clinical elements that are important in groin disease stratification were identified. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed. Those which dictate the severity of the disease were selected and compiled to form the new proposed classification. Application of this classification model to a single hernia surgeon's registry in The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Hernia Centre was done for initial evaluation.

This new classification incorporates important clinical characteristics forming a total of nine grades of differentiation, together with the anatomical details and special information. This comprehensive system allows the stratification of patients into different groups based on disease severity. It also enables more accurate data collection for future audits, comparisons of disease progression over time, and the effect of different management strategies for different-stage patients.

This is the first classification system which incorporates essential clinical parameters, which allows the stratification of groin hernia into different stages. Further studies and validation should be performed to evaluate the usefulness and value of this classification in groin hernia management.

Aim The purpose of the study is to compare the two common open surgical methods for bilateral inguinal hernias: bilateral Lichtenstein repair and Rives-Stoppa repair. It evaluates their benefits, drawbacks, and outcomes to improve the management of bilateral inguinal hernias and enhance patient care and results. Background Abdominal wall hernias are prevalent in the surgical field, and they occur when intra-abdominal organs protrude through weakened or torn regions in the abdominal wall. The Lichtenstein repair, also known as the tension-free mesh repair, is one of the most widely used techniques that involves placing a synthetic mesh over the hernia defect to reinforce the abdominal wall. The Rives-Stoppa technique takes the posterior approach, which involves placing a large mesh in the preperitoneal space, which provides broad coverage of the potential hernia sites. Method This retrospective study included 86 male patients from the Department of General Surgery at Indus Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan. Data were collected up to three months post-operation for all open bilateral inguinal hernia repairs performed between January 2017 and April 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent Lichtenstein repair, while group B underwent Rives-Stoppa repair. The procedures were performed by different surgeons and surgical trainees under direct supervision. Results Regarding post-operative complications (scrotal swelling, epididymo-orchitis, seroma formation, ipsilateral testicular swelling, surgical site infection, erectile dysfunction, wound dehiscence, fever, hydrocele, sensory abnormality, hernia recurrence in 3 months, post-operative pain in 14 days), there was no significant difference observed between the two groups. There were two recurrences within three months after Lichtenstein repair and one recurrence after Stoppa repair, but no statistical difference was demonstrated. Conclusion Statistically, both the Lichtenstein repair and the Rives-Stoppa repair demonstrated similar outcomes. However, the Rives-Stoppa repair offers distinct advantages for bilateral inguinal hernia repair, making it a preferable option in many cases as this approach utilises a single midline incision, simultaneously facilitating access to both hernial sites. This method ensures complete coverage of the myopectineal orifices bilaterally, addressing all potential hernia sites in the lower abdomen. These features collectively contribute to the technique's efficacy in managing bilateral hernias.

Inguinal hernia repair remains one of the most common elective general surgical procedures. Previous studies have suggested high rates of chronic pain afterwards. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in quality of life after local anaesthetic (LA) inguinal hernia surgery performed in a primary care setting.

Quality of life (QoL) was measured in all patients both pre-operatively and at 6-months post-operatively using the European Hernia Society Scoring tool. Data was analysed by tertile grouping according to initial symptom score.

497 patients filled out pre-operative QoL forms between June 2020 and May 2022. Post-operative QoL scores were received from 179 patients (164 male (91.6%)). Median pre-operative score was 33 (IQR 20-48). Median post-operative score was 4 (IQR 1-11). Mean improvement in QoL score was 27.8. Nine patients had a worse score at 6-months compared to pre-op (5%). When the data was analysed by pre-op QoL group as expected the low symptom group (score 0-10) had minimal improvement in QoL (0.23) and 5 out of 13 patients (38%) had a worse score. The medium group (score 11-40) had a mean improvement in QoL of 17.25 with 3 out of 92 (3.2%) experiencing a worse score. The high symptom group (score 41-90) had a mean improvement in QoL of 45.4 with only 1 of 76 (1.3%) experiencing a worse score.

LA Inguinal hernia repair improves QoL substantially 6-months after surgery. However, in those patients with low pre-operative scores (< 11) the gain is minimal and rates of chronic symptoms following surgery are very high. We recommend avoiding surgery in this group and instead adopting a surveillance approach.

Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) is usually performed under general (GA) or regional anaesthesia. In recent years, the possibility of performing vaginal hysterectomy under local anaesthesia (LA) has also been explored. Our aim was to compare intraoperative and early postoperative outcomes in women who underwent VH under LA with intravenous sedation or GA.

In this retrospective study, we collected data of patients who underwent VH at our department from June 2021 to December 2022. For every patient, the following data was obtained: hospitalisation duration, type of anaesthesia (LA or GA), accompanying procedures, the dosage of used local anaesthetic in the LA group, maximal pain score for each day of hospitalisation after the procedure, procedure duration, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complication rate. Data was analysed using the SPSS Statistics programme. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Seventy patients were included in the study. The mean age was significantly higher in the LA group compared to GA group (73.8 ± 8.0 years vs. 67.1 ± 9.3 respectively, p-value = 0.003). LA was associated with statistically lower pain scores in the first two days after the procedure (p = 0.003), and shorter procedure duration (p-value <0.001) as well as hospitalisation duration (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the cumulative dosage of different analgesics used during hospitalisation was higher in the GA group.

Our results show that LA is a feasible option for patients undergoing VH. Vaginal surgical procedures under LA could be especially beneficial for older patients with medical comorbidities in whom GA would be particularly hazardous.

Background Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure addressing the protrusion of abdominal viscera through the inguinal canal. Despite advancements, complications such as chronic postoperative pain, infections, and hernia recurrence persist. Traditional sutured polypropylene mesh can cause nerve irritation and inflammation, leading to chronic pain and other issues. Innovations in hernia repair, like the self-gripping, low-density, macroporous polyester mesh, aim to mitigate these problems. This mesh adheres to tissues without sutures, potentially reducing operative time, postoperative pain, and related complications. The study compares the clinical outcomes of sutureless self-gripping polyester mesh versus sutured polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia repair, focusing on operative time, postoperative pain, hospital stay length, seroma formation, and hernia recurrence to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the self-gripping mesh. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted over one year at our hospital. Sixty patients with uncomplicated primary inguinal hernias were enrolled and divided into two groups: group A (self-gripping polyester mesh) and group B (sutured polypropylene mesh). The primary outcomes measured included operative time, postoperative pain (visual analog scale), hospital stay length, seroma formation, and hernia recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with descriptive and inferential statistics applied to compare the outcomes between the groups. Results The study found no significant differences in demographic variables between the two groups. The self-gripping polyester mesh (SF) group had significantly shorter operative times (67.2 minutes vs. 88.1 minutes, p < 0.001), lower postoperative pain scores (3.30 vs. 4.60, p < 0.001), and shorter hospital stays (3.2 days vs. 5.2 days, p = 0.000) compared to the sutured polypropylene mesh (SM) group. Rates of seroma formation and hernia recurrence were not significantly different between the groups. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the type of mesh was a significant predictor of postoperative pain scores, with self-gripping mesh associated with lower pain. Conclusions Self-gripping polyester mesh offers significant advantages over traditional sutured polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia repair, including reduced operative time, postoperative pain, and hospital stay without increasing the risk of seroma formation or hernia recurrence. These findings suggest that self-gripping mesh may be a superior option for inguinal hernia repair, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Further multicenter studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to confirm these benefits.

The TransREctus sheath PrePeritoneal procedure (TREPP) was introduced as an alternative open and preperitoneal technique for inguinal hernia mesh repair, demonstrating safety and efficacy in retro- and prospective studies. However, little is known about the technique's inherent learning curve. In this study, we aimed to determine TREPP learning curve effects after its implementation in high-volume surgical practice.

All primary, unilateral TREPP procedures performed in the first three years after implementation (between January 2016 and December 2018) were included out of a large preconstructed regional inguinal hernia database. Data were analyzed on outcome (i.e., surgical complications, hernia recurrences, postoperative pain). Learning curve effects were analyzed by assessing outcome in relation to surgeon experience.

In total, 422 primary, unilateral TREPP procedures were performed in 419 patients. In three patients a unilateral TREPP procedure was performed on both sides separated in time. A total of 99 surgical complications were registered in 83 procedures (19.6% of all procedures), most commonly inguinal postoperative pain (8%) and bleeding complications (7%). Hernia recurrences were observed in 17 patients (4%). No statistically significant differences on outcome were found between different surgeon experience (< 40 procedures, 40-80 procedures, > 80 procedures).

Implementation of TREPP seems not to be associated with a notable increase of adverse events. We were not able to detect a clear learning curve limit, potentially suggesting a relatively short learning curve among already experienced hernia surgeons compared to other guideline techniques.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become the preferred technique currently. The use of mesh to facilitate a tension-free reinforcement has become the standard of care during endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP), laparoscopic transabdominal pre-peritoneal, and open inguinal hernia repair. Although uncommon, late-developing mesh infections, defined as those occurring in the surgical site months or years after the procedure, can lead to severe complications. To achieve the best possible outcome for the patient, prompt imaging and a multidisciplinary approach to management, including complete surgical removal of the contaminated mesh and proper antibiotic therapy, are crucial. CASE REPORT A 39-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of intermittent fever, progressive lower abdominal pain and fullness, and purulent discharge from the abdominal wall. Her medical history was significant for an endoscopic right TEP inguinal hernia repair performed 3 years earlier, which involved the use of an anatomic mesh and titanium screws. Physical examination and ultrasound findings revealed a large preperitoneal abscess with cutaneous fistulization, secondary to a deep-seated mesh infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified as the causative pathogen. She underwent a 2-step surgical procedure, including an initial fistulectomy followed by endoscopic abscess drainage and surgical excision of the infected mesh, combined with antimicrobial therapy, resulting in an excellent clinical response and complete resolution. This strategy also allowed for an effective assessment of the abdominal wall integrity. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the importance of considering late-developing mesh infections in patients presenting with abdominal symptoms who have previously undergone TEP hernia repair, even years after the initial surgery.

Groin hernia repair is the most common procedure performed by general surgeons. The open mesh technique generally represents the main technique for an inguinal repair, but a different approach is often required. Laparoscopy was found to be the answer to minimizing the impact of the preperitoneal open techniques described by Nyhus and Stoppa. The introduction of the totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) in the early 1990s started a new chapter in groin hernia surgery. The minimally invasive techniques vs. open mesh, and then one against the other, soon became a hot topic among abdominal wall surgeons. With time, the number of procedures and indications increased and are still increasing. This review aims to provide an overview of the two main laparoscopic techniques for groin hernia repair, answering the following questions: Who should perform them? What is the learning curve required to minimize complications and optimize operative time? When is a minimally invasive approach indicated, and which one (both in elective and in emergency setting)? How are they performed? The standard techniques have been described in detail, and personal observations from an abdominal wall surgery referral center were added. The main reviews from the early 2000s up to date, which compared the techniques, were analyzed, and the results reported, confirming the comparable safety and efficacy of both these techniques.

Clinical guidelines are evidence-based recommendations developed by healthcare organizations or expert panels to assist healthcare providers and patients in making appropriate and reliable decisions regarding specific health conditions, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare by promoting best practices, reducing variations in care, and at the same time, allowing tailored clinical decision-making. European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines aim to provide surgeons a reliable set of answers to their pertinent clinical questions and a tool to base their activity as experts in the management of abdominal wall defects. The traditional approach to guideline production is based on gathering key opinion leader in a particular field, to address a number of key questions, appraising papers, presenting evidence and produce final recommendations based on the literature and consensus. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method offers a transparent and structured process for developing and presenting evidence summaries and for carrying out the steps involved in developing recommendations. Its main strength lies in guiding complex judgments that balance the need for simplicity with the requirement for complete and transparent consideration of all important issues. EHS guidelines are of overall good quality but the application of GRADE method, began with EHS guidelines on open abdomen, and the increasing adherence to the process, has greatly improved the reliability of our guidelines. Currently, the need to application of this methodology and the creation of stable and dedicated group of researchers interested in following GRADE in the production of guidelines has been outlined in the literature. Considering that the production of clinical guidelines is a complex process, this paper aim to highlights the primary features of guideline production, GRADE methodology, the challenges associated with their adoption in the field of hernia surgery and the project of the EHS to establish a stable guidelines committee to provide technical and methodological support in update of previously published guideline or the creation of new ones.

This study aimed to determine the frequency of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) and how surgeons managed complications such as intraoperative bleeding, organ damage, and peritoneal injury that may develop during this procedure.

The data for the study were collected through an electronic survey created using Google Forms and sent using WhatsApp in May 2024.

The study included 220 of 250 surgeons (88%) working in 25 healthcare centers located in different regions where the survey was distributed. Fourteen respondents with missing data were excluded from the study. The mean age of the remaining 206 participants was 39.6 (27-69) years. The rate of surgeons using laparoscopic techniques in inguinal hernia surgery was 89.3%. The method most preferred by the surgeons performing LIHR was total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair (60.9%), followed by transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair (39.1%). The surgeons preferred open procedures in patients with a history of lower abdominal surgery, those with scrotal hernia, and elderly patients. Additionally, in cases of intraoperative complications that developed at different stages of TEP, it was observed that participants mostly convert to the TAPP technique (43.5-46%), and in some cases, almost all participants continued the procedure with the same technique, i.e., TEP repair (94.6%).

This study revealed that surgeons preferred open procedures in some specific patient groups, but they mostly preferred LIHR in the remaining cases. Young surgeons, in particular, seem more inclined to employ laparoscopic methods. In cases of intraoperative complications, most surgeons chose to continue with laparoscopic techniques.

Concurrent direct and indirect inguinal, femoral, and obturator hernias are rare. This case report describes a rare case treated using the laparoscopic approach. A 68-year-old female patient presented with a moving left inguinal lump and pain. Physical examination and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed the coexistence of a left inguinal hernia or Nuck canal hydrocele and a left femoral hernia. The patient underwent laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair, and all four orifices were covered with one mesh. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day without any complications. The concurrent presence of four hernias on the same side is rare and has not been previously reported. The laparoscopic approach is useful in such cases because it allows visualization of multiple hernia orifices from the intra-abdominal cavity.

Evidence about the advantage of Lichtenstein's repair, the guidelines' recommended technique, is scarce regarding postoperative chronic inguinal pain (CPIP). The primary aim of this study was to compare CPIP in patients undergoing Lichtenstein versus other techniques.

Prospective multicentric cohort study including consecutive adults undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair in Portuguese hospitals (October - December 2019). Laparoscopic and mesh-free hernia repairs were excluded. The primary outcome was postoperative pain at three months, defined as a score of ≥ 3/10 in the European Hernia Society Quality of Life score pain domain. The secondary outcome was 30-day postoperative complications.

Eight hundred and sixty-nine patients from 33 hospitals were included. Most were men (90.4%) and had unilateral hernias (88.6%). Overall, 53.6% (466/869) underwent Lichtenstein's repair, and 46.4% (403/869) were treated with other techniques, of which 83.9% (338/403) were plug and patch. The overall rate of CPIP was 16.6% and 12.2% of patients had surgical complications. The unadjusted risk was similar for CPIP (OR 0.76, p = 0.166, CI 0.51 - 1.12) and postoperative complications (OR 1.06, p = 0.801, CI 0.69 - 1.60) between Lichtenstein and other techniques. After adjustment, the risk was also similar for CPIP (OR 0.83, p = 0.455, CI 0.51 - 1.34) and postoperative complications (OR 1.14, p = 0.584, CI 0.71 - 1.84).

The Lichtenstein technique was not associated with lower CPIP and showed comparable surgical complications. Further investigation as- sessing long term outcomes is necessary to fully assess the benefits of the Lichtenstein technique regarding CPIP.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernias in the groin, affecting 27% of the population, with a nine to 12 times higher incidence in men. The primary treatment for this condition typically involves a surgical procedure, with most surgeons opting for mesh placement through a laparoscopic approach. While this procedure is generally associated with low complication rates (primarily hematomas, seromas, and scrotal edema), there are some highly infrequent complications reported such as postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO), estimated to occur in approximately 0.1%-0.5% of cases, most commonly during transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of using skilled surgical techniques and adhering to established guidelines in postoperative patient care to minimize the risk of these complications. We describe a case of a 47-year-old male patient who underwent bilateral TAPP repair for inguinal hernias and subsequently experienced postoperative complications, including the development of a hematoma and SBO, requiring a re-intervention that evidenced a peritoneal pocket hernia.