Hernia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hernia, including details on hiatal, inguinal, umbilical, abdominal, treatment.

Simultaneous repair of bilateral groin hernias using local anaesthesia: a review of 199 cases with a five-year follow-up.

Kark AE, Belsham PA, Kurzer MN

British Hernia Centre, 87 Watford Way, Hendon Central, London, NW4 4RS, UK. surgeons@hernia.org

BACKGROUND: There has been controversy concerning the simultaneous repair of bilateral groin hernias and the method of anaesthesia. METHODS: A consecutive series of 199 bilateral inguinal hernias was repaired by the Lichtenstein non-tension mesh technique over a two-year period (1997-98). In 96% of them local anaesthesia was used. These were reviewed after five years. RESULTS: There were no increased recurrence or infection rates, with both between 0.5-1%. Pulmonary and urinary complications did not occur. The cost of this technique is substantially less than sequential or laparoscopic operations. DISCUSSION: The reasons advanced for sequential repair of bilateral hernias have been the lower risks of infection and recurrence. Neither of these fears is evident from this study. Furthermore, the use of local anaesthesia permits the operation to be done in a day care clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral repair of inguinal hernias using local anaesthesia is as effective as sequential repair, at lower cost and with less total time off work.

Published 4 May 2005 in Hernia, 9(2): 131-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Hernia Research Today. All Rights Reserved.