Trends in Emergent Groin Hernia Repair-An Analysis From the Herniamed Registry

Laparoscopic vs. Open-Groin Hernia Repair in Romania-A Populational Study

Background/Objectives: Groin hernia repair is a common surgical procedure worldwide, with increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques. However, the adoption of laparoscopic repair varies significantly across healthcare systems. This study aims to analyze trends in laparoscopic versus open-groin hernia repair in Romania over a five-year period (2019-2023), assessing differences in hospital types, reimbursement policies, and patient outcomes. Methods: This nationwide retrospective study examined 76,553 groin hernia repairs from the National Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) database, including 231 public and 41 private hospitals. Patients were categorized as laparoscopic (13,282 cases) or open repair (63,271 cases). Statistical analysis included logistic regression and non-parametric tests to assess factors influencing surgical approach selection, hospitalization duration, and case complexity. Results: Laparoscopic repair accounted for 17.3% of all groin hernia procedures, with higher adoption in private hospitals (54.7%) than in public hospitals (14.6%). Laparoscopic procedures increased from 14.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2023. Hospitalization was shorter in private hospitals (1.78 vs. 4.80 days in public hospitals). Reimbursement rates showed minimal differentiation between laparoscopic and open repair, suggesting no financial incentive for minimally invasive surgery in public hospitals. Conclusions: Despite a steady increase in laparoscopic hernia repair, its adoption in Romania remains limited compared to Western Europe. Private hospitals lead in minimally invasive surgery, while public hospitals predominantly rely on open repair due to reimbursement policies and resource constraints. Adjusting DRG-based reimbursement, expanding training, and implementing a national hernia registry could improve outcomes and access to minimally invasive surgery.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Management of Groin Hernia Repairs: A Nationwide Population-Based Study From the Swedish Hernia Register

Objective

The aim is to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on delays in elective surgeries for symptomatic groin hernias in Sweden.

Background

In Sweden, over 16,000 groin hernia repairs are performed annually, primarily in elective daycare settings. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary postponement of all elective surgeries to reallocate healthcare resources and limit viral transmission.

Methods

This nationwide population-based study utilizing data from the Swedish Hernia Register compared groin hernia repairs before (2015-2019) and during (2020-2021) the pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression analysis stratified by gender was employed for the outcomes. The main outcomes were risks of emergency repair, severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3b), 30-day mortality, and reoperation for recurrence.

Results

A total of 109,459 groin hernia repairs (n = 98 156 in men and n = 11 303 in women) were analyzed. The number of elective repairs declined by 22.9%, while emergency repairs only increased by 2.2% in 2020. Women had a higher risk of emergency repair during the pandemic (odds ratio: 1.38, P < 0.001) and presented notably higher crude rates of 30-day mortality and bowel resection compared with men in both cohorts. However, the overall risks in the population remained stable despite these shifts.

Conclusions

"Watchful waiting" for symptomatic groin hernias due to postponement of elective repairs in men appears safe regarding the risks of emergency repair and severe complications, in contrary to women. While elective repairs can temporally be deferred during crises, careful consideration should be given to women. Given this large-scale study, watchful waiting may not be appropriate for women in future healthcare crises, warranting further investigations.

Trends and predictors of laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair remains controversial despite studies suggesting it is safe and feasible. Variables associated with laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair are currently not well described. This study aims to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors associated with laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database was queried for adult patients (age ≥18 years) who had undergone emergent inguinal hernia repair between 2015 and 2021. The relationships between demographic variables and laparoscopic compared with open emergent inguinal hernia repair were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 8,215 patients were included in this analysis. Use of laparoscopic emergent inguinal hernia repair increased from 9% in 2015 to 23% in 2021. Female patients (odds ratio, 1.84, P < .001) and patients aged ≤65 years (odds ratio, 1.25, P = .005) were more likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Black (odds ratio, 0.73, P = .003) and Hispanic (odds ratio, 0.72, P = .006) patients and patients with greater American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (odds ratio, 0.86, P = .037), ascites (odds ratio, 0.39, P = .039), and preoperative dialysis requirement (odds ratio, 0.45, P = .017) were less likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Aside from a decreased likelihood of readmission in patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery (odds ratio, 0.696, P = .024), there was no difference in other postoperative outcomes, despite a laparoscopic approach being associated with greater rates of concomitant procedures compared with an open approach (24% vs 18%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, younger age, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class were associated with a greater likelihood of laparoscopic surgery. Black and Hispanic patients and patients with ascites and dialysis requirements were less likely to undergo laparoscopic repair. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair can be safely performed in an emergent setting.

Risk Factors of In-Hospital Venous Thromboembolism and Prognosis After Emergent Ventral Hernia Repair

Background: The risk factors and association of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following emergent ventral hernia repair (EVHR) remains uncertain. This aim of the study aims was to establish the predictors of VTE after EVHR and its influence on the long-term outcomes. Methods: A total of 2093 patients from the MIMIC-IV database who underwent EVHR were recruited. Multivariate logistic regression and nomogram models were developed to predict in-hospital VTE and mortality. Calibration and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to assess the model's effectiveness and reliability. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net clinical benefits of the model. Results: The rate of in-hospital VTE was 1.6% (33/2093) after EVHR. Four independent potential factors were established after multivariate analysis, and the abovementioned risk factors fit into the nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C-index: 0.857), the calibration and ROC curves demonstrated the accurate prediction power, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were 0.8% (17/2093) and 4.1% (86/2076) after EVHR. The potential factors were included in the mortality prediction nomogram. The prediction model presented good performance metrics (C-index of 0.957 and 0.828, respectively), the calibration and ROC curves were consistent with the actual results, and DCA indicated the superior net benefit of the established model. Conclusion: The nomogram, derived from the logistic regression model, demonstrated excellent predictive performance for VTE occurrence and prognosis in patients following EVHR. This model could serve as a valuable reference for clinical decision-making regarding VTE prevention and for enhancing post-EVHR prognosis.

Prospective comparison of two surgical approaches for incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernia: preperitoneal hernioplasty through the lower abdominal median incision and laparoscope (TAPP)

The optimal surgical approach of incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernia is controversial. Retrospective studies showed that surgical approaches through lower abdominal median incision or laparoscopic are superior to the oblique inguinal incision, respectively. Whether transabdominal laparoscopic approach is superior to the lower abdominal median incision approach needs prospective research.Prospective comparative study of patients with incarcerated and strangulated groin hernia admitted to Jinshan hospital for emergency surgery from January 2018 to June 2022. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical approach. The open preperitoneal repair group (OPR) was operated through the lower abdominal median incision. Laparoscopic preperitoneal repair group (TAPP) was completed under transabdominal laparoscope. The perioperative complications and long-term results of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Eighty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, 40 in OPR group and 42 in TAPP group. Baseline data of the two groups were comparable. Thirteen cases (15.9%) of the two groups underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis. Seventy cases (90.2%) underwent the 1st stage mesh repair, including 5 cases of preperitoneal hernioplasty after intestinal resection. The average operation time of TAPP group was 13 min longer (60.7 ± 13.7 min vs 47.8 ± 19.8 min P < 0.001), and the visual analogue scale pain score at 24 h after operation was lower (3.5 ± 1.2 vs 4.4 ± 1.7 P = 0.019) than that of OPR group. There was 1 case of bladder injury (2.5%) in OPR group and 1 case of inferior abdominal artery injury (2.4%) in TAPP group. There was no difference in the rate of the 1st stage hernioplasty between the two groups. In OPR group, 2 cases (5%) extended the incision for more than 2 cm, while in TAPP group, 1 case (2.4%) converted to laparotomy. The time of hospital stay (3.2 ± 1.8 d vs 4.3 ± 2.7 d, P = 0.036) and return to normal activities (7.9 ± 2.7 d vs 11.0 ± 4.4 d, P < 0.001) were shorter in TAPP group. The rate of total postoperative complications including chronic pain, surgical-site infection, seroma, hernia recurrence and so on was 11.9% in TAPP group, which was not significantly different from 25% in OPR group (P = 0.212). There were no cases of mesh related infection and death within 30 days in both groups.TAPP is safe and feasible for the operation of acute incarcerated inguinal hernia. TAPP had better comfort and faster recovery over open preperitoneal repair for the appropriate patients with incarcerated/strangulated inguinal hernia, which can reduce acute pain, shorten hospital stay and return to normal activities earlier.

Operative versus conservative management for inguinal hernia: a methodology scoping review of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of consensus on the management of inguinal hernia with limited symptoms. To address this issue a systematic review of existing randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to critically appraise all existing data on asymptomatic hernia management, focusing on generalizability.

METHODS

A scoping review to identify all RCTs comparing surgical and conservative management of patients with inguinal hernias was undertaken. Medline, Embase, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Data collected included study characteristics and definitions of population, intervention/comparator, and outcomes; and limitations of each study were also extracted. The quality and generalizability of included RCTs were evaluated using Cochrane's ROB-2 and the PRECIS-2 tool, respectively.

RESULTS

Searches returned 661 papers; 14 full-text papers were assessed and three RCTs were identified. All RCTs included only male patients with a mean age above 55 years. All RCTs included asymptomatic patients and two included those with minimal symptoms. Different definitions for 'minimally symptomatic' were used in RCTs and none provided details of what was meant by conservative treatment. Follow-up periods varied between studies (1, 2, 3 years). All RCTs had an overall high risk of bias. According to PRECIS-2, two RCTs were classified as pragmatic, and one was equally pragmatic and explanatory.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review highlights a high risk of bias but a good generalizability of the findings from the RCTs conducted on minimally symptomatic inguinal hernia patients. To improve the guidelines for the management of this group of patients, more generalizable data are needed.

Drain versus no drain in elective open incisional hernia operations: a registry-based analysis with 39,523 patients

PURPOSE

Elective open incisional hernia operations are a frequently performed and complex procedure. Prophylactic drainage is widely practised to prevent local complications, but nevertheless the benefit of surgical drain placement remains a controversially discussed subject. Objective of this analysis was to evaluate the current status of patient care in clinical routine and outcome in this regard.

METHODS

The study based on prospectively collected data of the Herniamed Register. Included were all patients with elective open incisional hernia between 1/2005 and 12/2020 and completed 1-year follow-up. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relation of individual factors to the outcome variables.

RESULTS

Analysed were data from 39,523 patients (28,182 with drain, 11,341 without). Patients with drain placement were significantly older, had a higher BMI, more preoperative risk factors, and a larger defect size. Drained patients furthermore showed a significant disadvantage in the outcome parameters intraoperative complications, general complications, postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations, and pain at the 1-year follow-up. No significant difference was observed with respect to the recurrent rate.

CONCLUSION

With 71.3%, the use of surgical drainages has a high level of acceptance in elective open incisional hernia operations. The worse outcome of patients is associated with the use of drains, independent of other influencing factors in the model such as patient or surgical characteristics. The use of drains may be a surrogate parameter for other unobserved confounders.

Mesh repair versus non-mesh repair for incarcerated and strangulated groin hernia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mesh repair in incarcerated or strangulated groin hernia is controversial, especially when bowel resection is required. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis comparing mesh and non-mesh repair in patients undergoing emergency groin hernia repair.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of databases to identify studies comparing mesh and primary suture repair of patients with incarcerated or strangulated inguinal or femoral hernias who underwent emergency surgery. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics.

RESULTS

1095 studies were screened and 101 were thoroughly reviewed. Twenty observational studies and four randomized controlled trials comprising 12,402 patients were included. We found that mesh-based repair had reduced recurrence (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.19, 0.67; P = 0.001; I2 = 35%), length of hospital stay (OR - 1.02; 95% CI - 1.87, - 0.17; P = 0.02; I2 = 94%) and operative time (OR - 9.21; 95% CI - 16.82, - 1.61; P = 0.02; I2 = 95%) without increasing surgical site infection, mortality or postoperative complications such as seroma, chronic, ileus or urinary retention. In the subgroup analysis of patients that underwent bowel resection, we found that mesh repair was associated with an increased risk of surgical site infection (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.04, 2.91; P = 0.04; I2 = 9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh repair for incarcerated and strangulated groin hernias reduces recurrence without an increase in postoperative complications and should be considered in clean cases. However, in the setting of bowel resection, mesh repair might increase the incidence of surgical site infection.

Mesh versus non-mesh for emergency groin hernia repair

BACKGROUND

A groin hernia is a collective name for inguinal and femoral hernias, which can present acutely with incarceration or strangulation of the hernia sac content, requiring emergency treatment. Timely repair of emergency groin hernias is crucial due to the risk of reduced blood supply and thus damage to the bowel, but the optimal surgical approach is unclear. While mesh repair is the standard treatment for elective hernia surgery, using mesh for emergency groin hernia repair remains controversial due to the risk of surgical site infection.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of mesh compared with non-mesh in emergency groin hernia repair in adult patients with an inguinal or femoral hernia.

SEARCH METHODS

On 5 August 2022, we searched the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, and Embase Ovid, as well as two trial registers for ongoing and completed trials. Additionally, we performed forward and backward citation searches for the included trials and relevant review articles. We searched without any language or publication restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mesh with non-mesh repair in emergency groin hernia surgery in adults. We included any mesh and any non-mesh repairs. All studies fulfilling the study, participant, and intervention criteria were included irrespective of reported outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodology. We presented dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We based missing data analysis on best- and worst-case scenarios. For outcomes with sufficiently low heterogeneity, we performed meta-analyses using the random-effects model. We analysed subgroups when feasible, including the degree of contamination. We used RoB 2 for risk of bias assessment, and summarised the certainty of evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 trials randomising 1241 participants undergoing emergency groin hernia surgery with either mesh (626 participants) or non-mesh hernia repair (615 participants). The studies were conducted in China, the Middle East, and South Asia. Most patients were men, and most participants had an inguinal hernia (41 participants had femoral hernias). The mean/median age in the mesh group ranged from 35 to 70 years, and from 41 to 69 years in the non-mesh group. All studies were performed in a hospital emergency setting (tertiary care) and lasted for 11 to 139 months, with a median study duration of 31 months. The majority of the studies only included participants with clean to clean-contaminated surgical fields. For all outcomes, we considered the certainty of the evidence to be very low, mainly downgraded due to high risk of bias (due to deviations from intended intervention and missing outcome data), indirectness, and imprecision. Mesh hernia repair may have no effect on or slightly increase the risk of 30-day surgical site infections (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.88; I² = 21%; 2 studies, 454 participants) when compared with non-mesh hernia repair, but the evidence is very uncertain. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of mesh hernia repair compared with non-mesh hernia repair on 30-day mortality (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.58 to 3.28; 1 study, 208 participants). In summary, the results showed 70 more (from 5 fewer to 200 more) surgical site infections and 29 more (from 32 fewer to 175 more) deaths within 30 days of mesh hernia repair per 1000 participants compared with non-mesh hernia repair. The evidence is very uncertain about 90-day surgical site infections after mesh versus non-mesh hernia repair (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.64; 1 study, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No 30-day recurrences were recorded, and mesh hernia repair may not reduce recurrence within one year (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.03; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Within 30 days of hernia repair, no meshes were removed from clean to clean-contaminated fields, but 6.7% of meshes (1 study, 208 participants) were removed from contaminated to dirty surgical fields. Among the four studies reporting 90-day mesh removal, no events occurred. We were not able to identify any studies reporting complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification or reoperation for complications within 30 days of repair.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that in terms of 30-day surgical site infections, 30-day mortality, and hernia recurrence within one year, the evidence for the use of mesh hernia repair compared with non-mesh hernia repair in emergency groin hernia surgery is very uncertain. Unfortunately, firm conclusions cannot be drawn due to very low-certainty evidence and meta-analyses based on small-sized and low-quality studies. There is a need for future high-quality RCTs or high-quality registry-based studies if RCTs are unfeasible.

Female Groin Hernia Repairs in the Swedish Hernia Register 1992-2022: A Review With Updates

Introduction: Groin hernias in women is much less common than in men; it constitutes only 9% of all groin hernia operations. Historically, studies have been performed on men and the results applied to both genders. However, prospectively registered operations within national registers have contributed to new knowledge regarding groin hernias in women. The aim of this paper was to investigate and present a body of literature based upon the Swedish Hernia Register together with recent data from the register's annual report. Patients and Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for studies based on the Swedish Hernia Register between 1992 and 2023. Based on the initial reading of abstracts, studies that presented results separately for women were selected and read. Recent data were acquired from the 2022 annual report of the Swedish Hernia Register. Results: A total of 73 studies of interest were identified. Of these, 52 included women, but only 19 presented separate results for women. Four themes emerged and were analysed further: emergency surgery and mortality, femoral hernias, the risk of reoperation for recurrence, and chronic pain following female groin hernia repairs. Discussion: Studies from the Swedish Hernia Register clearly describe that both the presentation of hernias and outcomes after repair differ significantly between the two genders. The differences that have been identified over the years have been incorporated into the national guidelines. Register data indicates that the guidelines have been implemented and are fairly well adhered to. As a result, significant improvements in outcomes regarding recurrences have been made for women with groin hernias in Sweden.

Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management

BACKGROUND

Groin hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed globally, with more than 20 million procedures per year. The last guidelines on groin hernia management were published in 2018 by the HerniaSurge Group. The aim of this project was to assess new evidence and update the guidelines. The guideline is intended for general and abdominal wall surgeons treating adult patients with groin hernias.

METHOD

A working group of 30 international groin hernia experts and all involved stakeholders was formed and examined all new literature on groin hernia management, available until April 2022. Articles were screened for eligibility and assessed according to GRADE methodologies. New evidence was included, and chapters were rewritten. Statements and recommendations were updated or newly formulated as necessary.

RESULTS

Ten chapters of the original HerniaSurge inguinal hernia guidelines were updated. In total, 39 new statements and 32 recommendations were formulated (16 strong recommendations). A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on all statements and recommendations among the groin hernia experts and at the European Hernia Society meeting in Manchester on October 21, 2022.

CONCLUSION

The HerniaSurge Collaboration has updated the international guidelines for groin hernia management. The updated guidelines provide an overview of the best available evidence on groin hernia management and include evidence-based statements and recommendations for daily practice. Future guideline development will change according to emerging guideline methodology.

Current opinions in inguinal hernia emergencies: A comprehensive review of related evidences

INTRODUCTION:

Groins hernia emergencies are evaluated under two definitions: incarceration that is defined as a hernia in which its content becomes irreducible at the passage in the abdominal wall and strangulation that compromises the blood supply to the omentum and/or intestines within the hernia sac. The purpose of this paper was to determine the latest knowledge about groin hernia emergencies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

PubMed and Google Scholar searches were done by using combinations of “inguinal hernia” and “emergency”, and “groin hernia” and “emergency” keywords at first. More detailed searches were performed to enrich the “Surgical treatment” part of the paper by using “emergency hernia” and “mesh”, “emergency hernia,” and “laparoscopic versus open” keywords afterward.

RESULTS:

Approximately 5%–10% of all inguinal repairs are performed in emergency settings. Both lateral and medial inguinal hernias can get incarcerated or strangulated, whereas the risk for femoral hernias is higher. Manual reduction of incarcerated inguinal hernias is successful in approximately 60% of the cases. The prediction of bowel ischemia due to strangulation may be possible with some blood tests and imaging studies like ultrasound and computed tomography. It has been shown that the longer the duration of incarceration the higher the risk of bowel ischemia. Bowel resection which is more frequently necessary in patients with advanced age, female gender, and femoral hernia, is associated with an increased risk of perioperative mortality. Some surgeons still use tissue-suture repairs in an emergency setting; however, mesh repairs have been shown to be safe unless there is an overt contamination.

CONCLUSION:

Early treatment of complicated groin hernias is the key to favorable outcomes. The need for bowel resection and advanced age are the most prominent factors for morbidity and mortality. Mesh repairs are safe in most cases. Minimally invasive approaches promise good results in experienced centers.

Outcomes of Emergency Groin Hernia Repair in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The number of surgeries for groin hernia (GH) among the elderly follows the increase in life expectancy of the population. The greater number and severity of comorbidities in this group increases the surgical risk, promoting discussion regarding the indication of elective surgery and the benefits of watchful waiting approach (WWA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of emergency hernia surgery among the elderly population. Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed in Pubmed and Scielo databases for the past early 10 years, until July 2022. The subject was groin hernia in the emergency setting focusing the elderly population. The PRISMA statement was followed and the classification of elderly was based on the World Health Organization's definition. Results: A total of 1,037 results were returned and we ended with nine original articles with emphasis in groin hernia in the emergency among the elderly population. In these subjects, the complications rate ranged between 21.2% and 28.9% and the mortality rate ranged between 1.2% and 6%. Cardiopulmonary disease, high ASA and Charlson's scales were associated with greater risk of complications and death. Conclusion: Emergency GH surgery in the elderly population carries an increased risk of complications and mortality. GH surgery is safe or, at least, less harmful when done electively. The risk and benefits of WWA and upfront surgery needs to be assessed and exposed to the patients. Our review sugest that elective surgery should be the option over WWA in this patient population.

Gender differences in epigastric hernia repair: a propensity score matching analysis of 15,925 patients from the Herniamed registry

INTRODUCTION

In recent surgical literature, gender-specific differences in the outcome of hernia surgery has been analyzed. We already know that female patients are at higher risk to develop chronic postoperative pain after inguinal, incisional, and umbilical hernia surgery. In this study, we evaluated the impact of gender on the outcome after epigastric hernia surgery.

METHODS

A covariable-adjusted matched-paired analysis with data derived from the Herniamed registry was performed. In total of 15,925 patients with 1-year follow-up data were included in the study. Propensity score matching was performed for the 7786 female (48.9%) and 8139 male (51.1%) patients, creating 6350 pairs (81.6%).

RESULTS

Matched-paired analysis revealed a significant disadvantage for female patients for pain on exertion (12.1% vs. 7.6%; p < 0.001) compared to male patients. The same effect was demonstrated for pain at rest (6.2% in female patients vs. 4.1% in male patients; p < 0.001) and pain requiring treatment (4.6% in female patients vs. 3.1% in male patients; p < 0.001). All other outcome parameters showed no significant differences between female and male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients are at a higher risk for chronic pain after elective epigastric hernia repairs compared to the male patient population. These results complete findings of previous studies showing the same effect in inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernia repair.

Mortality after emergency versus elective groin hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergency groin hernia repair is associated with increased mortality risk, but the actual risk is unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality in adult patients who had undergone emergency or elective groin hernia repair.

METHODS

This review was reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and a protocol (CRD42021244412) was registered to PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL in April 2021. Studies were included if they reported 30- or 90-day mortality following an emergency or elective groin hernia repair. Meta-analyses were conducted when possible, and subgroup analyses were made for bowel resection, sex, and hernia type. According to the study design, the risk of bias was assessed using either the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies with 30,740 patients receiving emergency repair and 457,253 receiving elective repair were included. The 30-day mortality ranged from 0-11.8% to 0-1.7% following emergency and elective repair, respectively. The risk of 30-day mortality following emergency repair was estimated to be 26-fold higher than after elective repair (RR = 26.0, 95% CI 21.6-31.4, I2 = 0%). A subgroup meta-analysis on bowel resection in emergency repair estimated 30-day mortality to be 7.9% (95% CI 6.5-9.3%, I2 = 6.4%). Subgroup analyses on sex and hernia type showed no differences regarding the mortality risk in elective surgery. However, femoral hernia and female sex significantly increased the risk of mortality in emergency surgery, both given by a risk ratio of 1.7.

CONCLUSION

The overall mortality after emergency groin hernia repair is 26-fold higher than after elective repair, but the increased risk is attributable mostly to female and femoral hernias.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO protocol (CRD42021244412).

Short-Term Outcomes of Inguinal Hernia Repair in Older Patients: A Retrospective Review at a Tertiary Center

Objectives

Although inguinal hernia (IH) repair is low-risk surgery, older patients are occasionally offered watchful waiting because of their functional status and comorbidities. This study reviewed the surgical outcomes of IH repair in older patients in comparison with outcomes in younger patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included all patients who had IH repair from 2010 to 2020. The primary outcomes of interest were postoperative complications and recurrence.

Results

A total of 262 patients underwent IH repair during the study period; 40% were ≥60 years old. One patient had a recurrence. Among the 8% of patients who had postoperative complications, groin pain was the most common one (1.9%). Female patients had a significantly higher rate of complications than male patients did (38.5% female versus 6.4% male, p<0.001). The rate of complications was also higher for emergency surgery than for elective surgery (22.6% emergency versus 6.1% elective, p<0.001), as well for patients who needed concomitant bowel resection compared with those who did not. Patients who had emergency surgery or postoperative complications had a prolonged hospital stay. 

Conclusions

IH repair in older patients is low-risk surgery, comparable to that in younger patients. In this study, emergency surgery was more common in older than in younger patients and posed a higher risk of complications. We recommend offering elective hernia repair to older patients to avoid the higher complication rate associated with emergency repair.

Inguinal hernia – epidemiology, risk factors, treatment methods (literature review)

Inguinal hernias (IH) are widespread in the human population and occur in 27–43 % of men and 3–6 % of women. Many risk factors for IH have been overestimated in the last decade: male gender is considered the leading factor (the ratio between men and women is approximately 1:7), less significant factors are heredity (most significant for women), physical activity (more significant for men), age (peak prevalence of IH occurs at 5 years and 70–80 years), congenital or acquired connective tissue dysplasia, history of prostatectomy, low body mass index.Hernioplasty with the use of synthetic mesh prostheses remains the most popular technique for surgical correction of IH. Performing non-prosthetic hernioplasty is only recommended if mesh prostheses are not available, for example in poor countries. In open hernioplasty using mesh prostheses, different methods are used today: Plug & Patch, Prolene Hernia System, Parietene Progrip, sutureless plastic according to Trabucco, Stoppa, preperitoneal techniques TIPP (trans-inguinal pre-peritoneal), TREPP (transrectus pre-peritoneal), TEP (total extraperitoneal), however, none of them showed significant advantages over the gold standard of open hernioplasty – tensionfree repair according to Liechtenstein.Laparoscopic IH correction is represented by the TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal) technique, performed through the abdominal cavity, and TEP (total extraperitoneal) – extraperitoneal prosthetic hernioplasty. None of them has a significant advantage in the treatment of IH; therefore, when choosing a treatment method, the surgeon should be guided by the cost of the operation and the level of proficiency in one or another hernioplasty technique.